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| Why
I Got Involved in Politics |
Posted:
01.21.04 | |
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Emily Gilbert, a senior at Concord High School in New Hampshire, explains why
she spends her spare time at a presidential campaign. | |
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 This
past November I became an active participant in New Hampshire politics by volunteering
for John Kerry's campaign for President.
I have always been interested
in politics; however, when I came of voting age I felt that it was important for
me, as an American citizen, to become involved in the political process. I
spent several months prior to my involvement visiting Web sites, reading articles,
and going to hear the candidates speak before I made my decision to support Senator
Kerry. | |
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| Choosing
a candidate | |
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I had my first opportunity to hear Kerry speak this summer at a house party
in Hopkinton. Immediately, I was struck by how well he spoke, and I was impressed
with his opinions and views on the issues, especially on the environment.
 I
was tempted to sign up to work on his campaign right after hearing him speak,
but I decided to wait until I had heard more from the other candidates. In
the end, my choice came down to Kerry and former Vermont Governor Howard Dean.
After hearing both candidates speak a few more times, and having read each of
their stances on many different issues, I confidently made up my mind to support
Kerry. | |
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| Working
on a campaign | |
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Volunteering has been a great experience. I have met some incredible people
at different events and in the office. The staff members working at the office
are so energized and committed, and you can't help but become excited as well.
I've also met other students in the area who attend different high schools and,
as a result, have made new friends. Some of the jobs volunteers are assigned
aren't all that glamorous, but nonetheless are still important. Making phone calls
is one of the more difficult and interesting things we do. Sometimes, the people
you call hang up on you, or are annoyed to be disturbed, but there are other times
where you make contact with a person who cares about the election and is truly
interested in what you have to say.  Once
I had a discussion with a man for fifteen minutes about what we thought about
the different candidates, and why I felt John Kerry surpassed them. Before we
hung up, the man told me he was now seriously considering supporting John Kerry
and that I had presented a very persuasive case in his favor. He also thanked
me for taking the time to volunteer for the campaign to help inform voters on
the candidates' issues.
After this phone call, I smiled and felt glad that
the work I was doing was having some impact on people who will ultimately decide
who will be the leader of the free world. | |
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| A
unique experience | |
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Working on a campaign is unique to anything else I have done. The teamwork
demonstrated in a campaign is more detailed and involved than any other type of
teamwork I've been exposed to in the past. It's incredible what we can
do when everyone works together. This experience has made me more aware of what
is going on in the country and our world, as well as inspiring me to want to become
more involved in the political process. Who knows, maybe one day you'll
see yard signs and bumper stickers reading "Emily Gilbert for President." --Emily
Gilbert is a senior at Concord High School in Concord, NH
Kerry and Dean photos taken by Barbara Thomas | |
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American schools and financial aid should be only for legal citizens of the United States. There should be no exceptions to this.
