I took away multiple things from the Eportfolio projects done by the second years in PSL. The projects I visited were about the opioid crisis in Ohio, the importance of changing energy sources to solar power, and the impact of climate change on two different species. These advocacy projects not only shed light on important issues in society, but they went in depth to point out the significance of why these issues still need to be discussed in today’s world. Regarding inspiration, these projects have allowed me to look over the issues discussed, and brainstorm what issue I might want to discuss next year. Furthermore, these advocacy projects have provided me with different ideas regarding how I wanted to present my project next year (ie. Pamphelt, poster, etc. Style format). The advocacy projects have also shown me how when I complete advocacy project next year, I should really focus on the important details that are crucial to my audience understanding the significance of the issue I am advocating. After visiting these advocacy projects, I have multiple ideas for my advocacy project next year. These ideas include the opioid crisis specifically in Dayton, Ohio, climate change in oceanic ecosystems, gun regulations and its effect on the public, and the significance of renewable energy in the future.  

The way Congress is structured in regards to the House of Representatives is not proportionally fair to citizens located in areas such as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, etc. In addition, given the current way that the House of Representatives is set up, it gives states such as Wyoming more representation than states such as Montana, even tho Montana has more citizens. One of the few ways to make this system more fair in my opinion would be to go redistribute the number of representatives based on the number of citizens accounted for in each state and or territory that is controlled by the United States. By redistributing the number of representatives in each area, Congress would then account for not only American states, but also territories, giving those citizens a say in what happens in their government. Accounting for the American citizens that live in those territories is not only fair, but it is necessary.
In addition, another way to incorporate this policy at a faster rate would be to shorten the length of a representatives’ term in the House. This would then give the representatives more incentive to be active and serve on behalf of their state of territory. Now, in regards to accuracy, one way to guarantee that there is fairness in the system would be to make the census done every five years so there is an updated record of the number of citizens in each state. Since this is an expensive task, one way to provide funding would be to take a small portion from the defense budget. Since this is already a very large budget, taking a small portion to provide for an accurate census and thus representation should not be too much of an issue.
In conclusion, the current state of the House of Representatives is not acceptable in today’s society. Millions or more Americans that are legally registered as citizens, do not have a say in the government, which is not fair. Furthermore, states that already have representation, are not represented accurately based on their population. A redistribution of representatives to not only states based on a census done more frequently, but also to territories would make this system more fair, while shorter terms for representatives would give them the incentive to be more active and serve on behalf of their state or territory.

Brianna Bergenstein is a bubbly, creative, and reliable individual. She is from Westlake, Cleveland and majoring in psychology and communication with a minor in environmental science. Some of her hobbies consist of painting and hanging out with friends. At Ohio State, Brianna has met some of her best friends and found a scholars’ program that has allowed her to be passionate about politics and law. In addition, the scholars program of Politics, Society, and Law has allowed Brianna to figure out now whether or not she would want to pursue law school beyond college. Over the past year, some of Brianna’s most memorable moments have been made at the football games. One piece of advice Brianna has for underclassmen is “To always try new things”. This piece of advice goes hand in hand with her personal goal to go outside her comfort zone by trying new things.