Opinion - Political Convention Day: One Student’s Opinion

My political involvement began only weeks ago when I chose to attend POL131 to fulfill my degree requirements. I never heard of Robert Yahrmatter or was that interested because I always felt alienated from the political process.
As we approached the 8th week of class, I found myself enthralled in Mr. Yahrmatter’s lectures, but more importantly I observed that the rest of the class was captivated by the topics too. Honestly, most of us just show up and get through these lectures, but this was different. He actually has our attention!
As the Michigan Student Political Issues Convention approached, our class was asked to help run the event. Everyone jumped at the chance which is actually one of our assignments for Civic Duty. I was asked to speak at a workshop and was allowed to select any topic I wanted. I chose Higher Education...Higher Cost. I have never done anything like this, in fact, I typically shy away from expressing any opinions.
Now, not only am I a student, I am a father and a taxpayer. Since coming to HFCC, I have discovered a few issues and do not agree with the status quo. Mrs. McDonald actually gave me several minutes of her time and allowed me to express my concerns. Not only that, she indicated that the board was attempting to make improvements, but that it would take time. What is most impressive here is that I had the chance to go one on one with Trustee’s who can make a difference.
Next was the Woman’s Panel discussion and then the workshops. I had been listed as a presenter, given a room and was not dictated to at all. This is important to remember.
At first, no one reported to my room. Then out of nowhere I had about 15 people looking up to me to say something important. I stated my case as to why I believe higher education has skyrocketed, and attendees expressed their concerns. Next thing I know, it’s over. We held a caucus, voted in our main topics and returned to the main auditorium for a tallying of issues. As a result, our issue of Higher Education Cost will be presented at the National level for more discussion. Our issue was 6th of 30 or so. Wow! Did I just make a difference? I think so...I felt great and involved.
State Representatives appeared to speak on the issues selected by our caucus or at least that was what I was led to believe. Unfortunately, the floor was given to them to do this, but they spoke for several minutes and did not say too much of anything. This was my low point of the day and is typical of politicians. They did not say anything about resolving the topics nor seemed interested in what we as students were feeling or telling them.
After really feeling involved, making a difference and participating with all these great students from Monroe and Oakland county, I felt dejected and disappointed in their responses. But I am going to look on that as a learning experience which makes me all the more convinced that we need to followup and ensure our representatives are actually listening to what we are saying.
Although the day went great until the end, I realized there are others, especially in the student community who are concerned and are willing to participate. I was really impressed. I learned we must hold our elected representatives accountable to our issues. We must follow up and ask hard questions, regardless of party affiliation. And when we feel dejected, or that issues are beyond us, or that we do not have a say, we must remember that we are citizens of the United States of America. It’s our privilege and duty to vote and get involved.
Make a difference, go vote!