I moved to the United States permanently at age thirteen. As is a common thread among many folks who grew up overseas, I have a fundamentally aspirational view of the US. I always thought of it, and still do, as a place to be fundamentally hopeful about. No matter how many times we may stumble at home and abroad, the United States has a capability that’s unique among nations. Those memories of growing up far away and looking at the United States as a place of hope and promise are a big part of what motivated me to come to Congress.
When I first decided to become an engineer, it was the obvious choice for a young, optimistic person who wanted to do good in the world. It was the place to connect people, give access to information, and refuse to let truth be silenced. But as time went on, the game changed. Tech grew up, and that idealism changed with it. We came to understand the ways the Internet could radicalize and harm, how it could shine a light onto our worst selves, and how it could rob workers of dignity. I thought open and free access to information would solve most problems on its own, but now appreciate how deliberately we have to treat every step. Each step of the way, we must be thoughtful and deliberate about the role technology has in our lives and society. But in doing so, we can’t lose sight of that first, original hope.
My work in government is just beginning, and as a 2021 Fellow, I’m incredibly grateful for TechCongress to be helping me bring my longstanding idealism to the Hill. I’m just wrapping up my second week, and I’m so excited for everything this year is going to bring.
Hakan is currently serving with Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM).