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Stephen Ng

Biography

 Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Highest Honors on Senior Honors Thesis, William and Mary Scholar, Monroe Scholar, Dean's List, Center for the Study of the Presidency College Fellow Member, Omicron Delta Kappa; President, One Accord (men's Christian a cappella group); Catholic Campus Ministry; Liaison Officer, Pep Band; Member, Pointe Blank (jazz and tap ensemble) and Ballroom Dance Club and Competition Team; politics; music (singing, guitar, piano, clarinet); tennis and other racquet sports

Stephen Ng recalls watching a presidential debate in second grade. Although he couldn't grasp the substance, he knew he was watching something profound, something that filled him with tremendous energy and passion. From that night, he says, he knew he wanted to serve in elected office at the state or national level, working to improve the lives and opportunities of all Americans. He is committed to readying himself "to take part in our great public debate"-and knows that obtaining a Juris Doctorate is an integral component of this preparation.

 While he was researching law schools, Stephen was struck by how many opportunities there are to use a legal education to help Americans. He is particularly interested in tax law and ensuring that the burden of paying for government services is distributed equitably. Tax law is also integral to Stephen's desire to encourage the creation and development of small businesses, especially in economically depressed areas. Stephen gained a deep respect for this vital sector of the economy as an intern for the Small Business Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

While Stephen has planned much of his preparation for public service, some lessons have arisen from seemingly unrelated activities. At the beginning of his senior year, he served as a Freshmen Orientation Aide for twenty-two students. He spent five days helping them move in, dealing with roommate issues and home sickness, answering questions, and imparting his great love for the school. He notes, "I had to remember that one of the things these freshmen needed most was for me to simply listen to their questions and concern. It was my duty to push aside my frustrations or fatigue and simply serve them. Likewise, as a public official, I must remember that my duty is to listen to, understand, and help address the problems and needs of my constituents."

 After law school, Stephen intends to obtain a clerkship with the Virginia Supreme Court or with a Circuit Court of Appeals, and then pursue a clerkship with the U.S. Supreme Court.

 Two of the key guidelines in Stephen's life come directly from his faith. One is a commitment to excellence, which he manifests in his extracurricular activities as well as his academics. After joining an a cappella group, Stephen took voice lessons, and learned to play guitar and relearned the piano in order to write his own songs and music. The second guideline is "to love others as myself." In politics, Stephen sees the opportunity to promote programs that help Americans help each other. He cites two service trips, where he saw "ordinary Americans working to help those . . . less fortunate than themselves." He concluded, "It must be this love and compassion of the American people upon which we build our society and which must guide our nation's goals and programs."

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