By: Hamdan Hamedan
“Anyone is welcome to run for president of the Campus Democrats,” declared Prof. Pohlhammer, also the President of the Democratic Party (USA) in Monterey.
“Freshmen or seniors, old or young, American citizens or not, please join the campus’s democratic celebration,” he concluded.
My interest in the Campus Democrats was influenced by the party’s opposition to the Iraq War (2003), its welcoming stance towards immigrants and marginalized groups, and its focus on environmental issues.
Long story short, I bravely signed up to run for president.
Not an American citizen. A first-semester student, the youngest one. And with just basic English skills. A “triple minority.”
The campaign was fierce. Comments from fellow students could be sharply critical.
Don’t ask how nervous I was while presenting my ideas. From receiving applause to being mocked, teased, and bombarded with questions about my origin, religion, and other personal matters.
Next, I faced an open debate with four other contenders. All of them were my seniors in social and political sciences, including some perpetual students.
After the debate, Prof. Pohlhammer patted my back and said, “Well done, you are clearly one of the best speakers out there.”
In my heart, I thought, “I have given my best. Whatever the outcome.”
Long story short, I secured the second-highest number of votes and was offered the position of vice president.
That’s my story: an Indonesian, and the youngest, becoming the vice president of the Campus Democrats.
All this happened because there was no age limit for the position. Old or young, let the people decide. This is democracy.
From this, I learned the saying and the importance of giving youth a chance: “If you are good enough, you are old enough.”
If young people are not given opportunities, then when? Must they wait until they are old?
People often say the youth are the leaders of the future. But the youth of today should confidently say, “We are the leaders of now and the future.”
Source: Instagram Hamdan.Hamedan
