Mr. Shiang Goes to Washington

A class in international politics during his first semester at Westmont inspired David Shiang to consider a career in public service. Now a senior, he serves as student body president following a prestigious summer internship at the White House. 

The son of Taiwanese immigrants, David grew up in Los Angeles and chose Westmont largely because he won a Music Guild Scholarship as a pianist. He planned to major in economics and business until the class with Katherine Bryant, assistant professor of political science, altered the course of his education.

He became Page Hall senator, the only first-year student on the Westmont College Student Association (WCSA) Council, after his peers encouraged him to join student government. “For the first time, I felt what it was like to represent my constituency,” he says.

David embraced that first foray into politics, writing biweekly updates about his team’s progress, enrolling in the Westmont Leadership Development Program, participating in academic senate committee meetings to voice student opinions, and organizing COVID care packages with Bible verses and candy for students.

When the college considered renewing the food service provider’s contract, David helped bring change to the Dining Commons. “I went to Biola and Chapman with other students to see what people thought of their food providers,” he says. “Bon Appetit seemed to be the best, and my team pursued that option with the administration.” 

He learned the value of facilitating community events, such as a session he organized to inform students about the college’s counseling and psychological services. He also spoke in chapel during National Suicide Prevention Week after a friend from home took her own life. “I want to look out for the next generation of Westmont students,” he says. “We’re all coming from different places around the globe, and it can be hard. People sometimes feel they don’t have a place here, and I wanted to check in on them and make sure they’re OK.” 

He won the David K. Winter Servant Leadership Award as a sophomore. A student who nominated him said, “David actually knows everybody’s name on campus. Not just students in his grade or in his classes. David is very intentional about knowing people well. I think he has modeled Paul’s message of hospitality in a spiritually gifted way.” Another wrote, “David is compassionate and personable, offering support to all. [He] is extremely humble, offering his time in relatively unglamorous ways. His actions are not showy or meant to impress; rather, he is a standout person by the way he lives.” 

At the end of his sophomore year, David applied for and won an internship with Congresswoman Julia Brownley, whose district includes Ventura and Los Angeles counties. 

“My favorite part was talking on the phone and telling people the congresswoman cared about them,” he says. “Even if they were affiliated with a different political party, we made sure they felt seen and heard. I wrote down their information for the congresswoman to read and helped them with casework, such as expediting passport applications. 

“At the end of this position, my supervisor told me to shoot for the moon with the next chapter in my career. She encouraged me to seek an internship with the Senate or the Supreme Court.”

At his sister’s suggestion, David applied and interviewed for an internship at the White House, landing a nine-week stint with the Vice President’s Correspondence Office beginning June 10. He found a place to stay in Washington, D.C., through District Church, where Provost Kim Denu previously served as interim director. “It’s a testament to the relationships Westmont students have with faculty and staff,” David says. “We’re united by our love for this community and our love for Christ, and we help each other out.”

At his office in the mailroom, David listened to the voices of the American people, filed gifts from foreign officials and the general public, and developed draft communications conveying the priorities of the Biden–Harris administration.

He also volunteered for White House events, including the Fourth of July celebration with President Biden. “Hearing from people from all parts of the country who love America – this place of opportunity – encouraged me,” David says. “I was part of a channel of communication informing people that the vice president hears them – that America’s government works for them regardless of party affiliation.”

As WCSA president, David strives for unity on campus regardless of political leanings. He organized a non-partisan voter registration drive and hosted a presidential debate-watch party with Michael Wear of the Center for Christianity and Public Life.

“What does it mean to be believers in Christ who love their neighbor?” he asks. “We must not ignore issues that exist. I talk to people I disagree with on multiple issues, but we’re brothers and sisters in Christ, and Americans.”