This fall, almost twice as many freshmen as last year are running for the WSA. Twenty-one students are competing for eight spots as freshmen representatives, while six students are running for five spots as at-large representatives. Current projections place the total number of votes for this year’s election at over 50 percent more than last year. Taken together, these numbers point to a commendable show of enthusiasm, particularly on the part of the freshman class. Of course, this year is a general election year, in which voter participation in all arenas generally rises due to excitement on the national stage. Whatever the reasoning behind this surge in electoral fervor, however, it points toward a perhaps renewed willingness among the student body to improve their community through participatory government.
But let’s not pat ourselves on the back too much. A perusal of WSA candidates’ personal statements show that, for every candidate who attempted to construct a thoughtful and sincere platform, there’s another whose tongue-in-cheek tone and blatant lack of content imply a candidacy based more upon popularity than substance. Moreover, once the initial thrill of electoral politics on a local and national scale fade away, the true test of the campus’ commitment to change through politics will be determined by both the passion and ingenuity of its elected officials and the inquisitiveness and dedication of the rest of the student body.
This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, from joining active student organizations to attending Sunday WSA meetings—so as to remain informed about current campus issues—to writing a Wespeak when you believe an issue demands debate and discussion in a public forum. This active approach has already been seen this year, as when eight senior members of the WSA knocked on freshman doors to introduce themselves and begin to educate the University’s newest members on what the organization does. It’s truly inspiring to see students taking a first step into public service, particularly when they’re amongst the newest members of the University community. After the thrill of campaigning has come and gone, though, the day-to-day work of responsible citizenship goes on.
Leave a Reply