We all, whether one way or another, have seen or heard of the craziness of politics. The crazy stories that we have seen on the news, ones that are both true and false. The way your crazy uncles all argue about who they should vote for, and who is better. We are all accustomed to that craziness, especially around the time of year when everyone votes. Yet, one crazy thing that we don’t realize is that we, as students, have already been voting for our new “crazy” politicians.
These future politicians have already been decided. They live right under our noses, slowly making their way into our young minds, and persuading us. Using their youth to trick and confuse us. Yet, they have not discovered that we figured out their plan. Our Student governments are our future politicians. Now, this might not be all bad! If we know and can prepare ourselves by understanding who we are dealing with, and how student government works, we may be able to vote, freely.
Student government began at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century, (How did student government start? Encyclopedias almanacs transcripts, and maps.). It all started with some students in, Washington DC wanting to have more say in what was being taught at the schools. It took much trial and error, but the students finally managed to convince their school board to have student representatives. This allowed the students of the high school to be able to talk to the representatives, giving a more connected community. That has been true ever since it first began in the nineteenth century. One of Kearns’s student government leaders, Zasha Graneros (9), added to this statement, “It helps out the school spirit when we are all connected. We are able to be there for the students, and that helps out the school.” When we know that we are connected we are much more likely to work and participate in school. While this positively affects us, what does it do the student government leaders?
When all the students are constantly relying on the student government officers, it can be very stressful for them. Yet, when asking Zasha Graneros about that she responded with, “I have learned that I need to stay organized. I know what needs to be done tomorrow, and that has allowed me to not feel all of the pressure.” Students in the government, have been taught to be organized and kind to others. Overall they seem to be very willing to help all of the students around them, no matter their prejudices.
Does this make them more capable and more willing to serve in professional government or does it hinder them from participating in government? Ashlee Matthews, a local politician explained, “I have never been personally involved in student government when in school, most of my colleagues haven’t either.” Yet, just because none of the current local politicians have served in the student governments, does not mean that they would be more eligible. Matthews continues by saying, “I think that it sets up a more secure structure in the future, having a background in government would be beneficial.” Background may not be all-important, yet with an understanding and already having experience, these students would not have to learn how to be a politician, for they have already been one.
That, at long last leads us to our student government. How are they doing in their way to help the other students and the teachers? The answer to that question is simple. They are doing their best! Matthews, when asked this repided with a confident tone, “We are pretty dang lucky! Our student government, [and a lot of other groups] are always the first ones to step in and help!” Our student government is indeed, very helpful and supportive to everyone. They put up fun decorations in the hallways and always try to keep their fellow students in mind. “I am proud to be able to represent our student government, and they also represent me.” Ashlee Matthews stated.
Many of our politicians were not in government before they came to power. Most of them were not all good, but not all bad. It is a good thing our future politicians have already been decided. The youth who serve the people, and who are always trying to look out for their fellow citizens, are the ones. If they are this kind, when they are not even adults, even when they could be so many other things, then I would say our country, is in good hands.
