In November, Sam Park (B.A.’09, B.S.’09, J.D. ’13), who is Asian-American, made history by becoming the first openly gay man elected to the Georgia General Assembly for District 101.
“I believe the content of one’s character matters more than one’s race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation,” Park said. “I won my race not because I am a member of a minority community, but because the voters looked beyond immutable characteristics and focused on character and the shared values I espoused.”
He said he is proud to be the first progressive Asian-American and the first openly gay man to serve in the General Assembly. “It demonstrates our ability to transcend the differences that so often divide and separate us,” Park said.
He didn’t come from a family of lawyers or politicians, so the road to discovering his passion and succeeding in law school wasn’t an easy one for the former pre-med major. After trying a few different programs at Perimeter College, he graduated with a B.A. in political science and a B.S. in economics from Georgia State University.
“Following undergrad, I essentially had two choices, law school or graduate school, as I wanted to further my education. I decided upon law school because I thought it would be the quickest way to find a good job to provide for my family,” Park said. “I never grew up wanting to be a lawyer, but it felt like the logical next step given my interest in political science and economics.”
In law school, drafting legislation in Professor Sylvia Caley’s class to using Socratic methods in Professor Corneill Stephens’ contracts course, Park found his footing.
“During my first year, I was absolutely terrified of going to his class. Through his unrelenting use of Socratic methods, Professor Stephens taught me to stand my ground and helped me find my voice,” Park said. “I ended up taking every class I could with him.”
In his second year, Park discovered his interest in public service and his passion to serve others, which led him to the Georgia State General Assembly. It happened in Health, Legislation and Advocacy taught by Sylvia Caley, clinical professor of law and co-director of the HeLP Legal Services Clinic.
In this class, Park spent the semester at the Georgia Capitol. He and his classmates drafted legislation to expand preventative health care services for children in Georgia. Park said this experience helped him realize how much good can be achieved through the legislative process and he became fascinated with legislation and policy.
“Not only did Professor Caley introduce me to the world of public service, she sparked my passion to serve others. I would not be where I am today if not for her guidance and mentorship,” Park said.
“Sam Park discovered and pursued an interest in public policy and now has answered the call to public service. We congratulate him on his recent election to the Georgia House of Representatives,” Caley said. “We are confident that he will use his knowledge and skills for the public good.”
“Without a doubt, I would not be where I am today if not for Georgia State Law and the opportunity to learn and grow under the many brilliant professors I had,” Park said.