Volunteering with Hillary for Ohio

The first presidential campaign that I can remember is George Bush versus John Kerry in the 2004 election. I was in second grade. My elementary school had a table set-up in front of the gym with two boxes where we could vote. We all thought that it was very important even though our teacher had explained that only adults could actually vote.

Fast forward twelve years: George Bush served another term as president, President Obama is finishing his second term, Hillary Clinton is the first women to be a major party’s presidential nominee, Donald Trump is clashing with the Republican Party’s establishment, and I am getting ready to vote for president for the first time. My interest in politics grew out of a love of history and fascination with current events. It was fed by the debates in the kitchen with my grandparents, the my grandmother’s of marching in the 1960s, and the car conversations with my mom about the news on the radio. I’m incredibly thankful that adults in my life gave me the opportunity to discuss politics, express my opinions, and question my preconceived notions. Without that support, I do not believe that I would be having the experiences that I am now.

Last night, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with Hillary for Ohio when Hillary Clinton came to speak on Ohio State’s campus. The diversity of people attending the event was inspiring. The kindness and well wishes of attendees towards the volunteers were heartwarming. The enthusiasm of over 18,000 people joined together for one cause was exhilarating.

Hillary Clinton speaking at Ohio State during the 2016 Presidential Campaign

I have a class in which we discuss public service and civic engagement at length. Volunteering last night gave me the opportunity to see principles of civic engagement, particularly political engagement, in practice. I was surrounded by volunteers from all walks of life who chose to take the time out of their busy schedules to advocate for a cause to which they are dedicated. Like the volunteers, attendees also took time out of their schedule to see one of our candidates for president. Everyone at the event got the opportunity to listen to Secretary Clinton without the filter provided by the media and immediately form their own opinions and notions. It represented the importance of creating a positive environment in which people can engage with their leaders, gain information freely, and express their views.

Throughout the event, I spent nearly five hours registering voters, encouraging attendees to volunteer for “Get Out the Vote” campaigns, and taking in the energetic atmosphere. Of course, there were protestors, but the words that truly stuck with me were spoken by a woman in the crowd after Secretary Clinton finished speaking:

As soon as the applause died down, other volunteers and myself immediately started encouraging people to register to vote.

The women said, “You keep doing the good work!”

Keep doing the good work. That is what drives me and so many others who wish to pursue a career in public service. While the world may focus on the negative political climate, scandals, and controversial policies, there will always be people working everyday to keep doing the good work to ensure that everyone in this great nation has the opportunity to thrive.