A Trip into the World of Politics

A Trip into the World of Politics

On the fourth of January 2007, I left my town of Lynwood, California and boarded a bus on its way to Sacramento. I left my school early in the morning. The ABC 7 news cameras were there, and for the first time I realized that I was actually becoming part of history. I didn’t know what to expect, never really being a part of California’s government. I had always loved politics, but had only admired it from afar. This was the first time that I could actually be drawn in and see firsthand what it was like to be involved in political affairs.

When I left that morning, the trip coordinator told us that we would be embarking on a long trip away from the inter city of Lynwood, and into the capital of Sacramento to witness the second Inauguration of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Before this trip, I had some interest in politics. Political science was my back up major if psychology didn’t work out for me when I would enter college, but this trip would completely reshape the way I thought about politics.

After about five hours on the bus, we finally arrived at the Capital. We took a tour around the Capital, and even heard from a Representative. I learned that I shouldn’t take my government for granted, and that they are doing everything they can to improve my quality of life, as well as my future. I was able to see how certain people in the government got to where they are now. The more the words of each representative sunk in, the more I realized that it all started with an inspiration. They were inspired to make a change in their community, and to be something better for everyone else. And for the first time, I realized that I needed to be more involved in my government. Even though I was only a freshman in high school, I was motivated to take up political science as a first interest, and not just a back up.

The most memorable experience of the trip happened the next day on Friday, the fifth of January, at around eleven o’ clock in the morning. We were heading toward the Memorial Auditorium, where the inauguration would be held. When we arrived, we had to wait outside until all of the representatives, senators, and other elected officials went in. But before they all headed inside, I was able to get a chance and directly experience a part of their everyday lives. I heard of their mission to enhance the lives of the people of California, to increase the economy of California, and to provide resources that would benefit everyone around the world. For the first time I realized that I desperately wanted to make a difference in the world, and that I shouldn’t just choose a career based on what would be the easiest to do.

After the ceremony, sadly we had to return and head back to Lynwood. I didn’t want to leave at all, knowing now that I had a plan for my future. I knew that I wanted to be greater, and to go all the way to the top. Today, I still want to be involved in politics, and am currently involved in Student Council and other leadership roles. That trip to the governor’s inauguration changed my outlook on life – putting others first. And it helped me to understand what I needed to do in order to dive into the world of politics.