Student delegates pursue political interests
Both the Republican and Democratic parties will have CU students serving as delegates in the upcoming assemblies and conventions as the political parties gather to nominate candidates for the Colorado senate race.
For those serving as delegates, they are getting the opportunity to continue their passion for politics.
Lauren Fish, a delegate for the Republicans and 19-year-old international affairs major, traces her love of politics as far back as she can remember. Even in 8th-grade Fish said she aspired to be a congresswoman.
“My family has always been interested in discussing current affairs,” Fish said.
Fish said she has been challenged to think about her stances, beliefs and issues through her parent’s encouragement.
As a student delegate, Fish said she hopes she can encourage other students to be more open when it comes to politics.
“Politics isn’t always a single issue,” Fish said. “It embodies our economics, health care and society.”
Danielle Oliveto, a delegate for the Democrats and 21-year-old political science major, found the position by chance. When she showed up to her local caucus and turned out to be one of the only informed individuals there, she was chosen as leader of her precinct.
Oliveto said by participating she hopes to show that young people care about politics.
“Get involved, this is our chance to make a difference,” Oliveto said.
Steve Fenberg, executive director of the youth-oriented New Era Colorado and a delegate himself, said it is increasingly important that younger generations get involved in politics.
“It’s extremely important,” Fenberg said. “If we want politicians to address the issues that we care about, we have to participate and vote.”
Fenberg said both politicians and young adults suffer from what he called “mutual disinterest.”
“Politicians don’t listen to us because we don’t vote, and we don’t vote because politicians don’t listen to us,” Fenberg said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer at Stephen.oskay@colorado.edu.
