With the elections for student president and trustees come and gone, a question that has come up frequently between students (those that are aware that there is government even here at Cerritos), teachers and campaigners. “What more can student government do to get students involved and passionate about school politics?”
A good question to be sure, but shouldn’t students “ask not what your college can do for you, ask what you can do for your college?” Cerritos and its student government has done a lot to increase awareness.
One candidate went to a few classrooms to talk about what his platform and exposed himself to students that were oblivious to school politics. But how can they be expected to do all the work?
Shouldn’t the students meet them halfway, in that they should actively participate in school politics also? Pay attention to the campaigners that come out during the election seasons, but make an informed decision by listening to different candidates, read the school newspaper or attend meetings.
But after gathering all that information, there is one thing you can do, and it’s the most important one. Vote! It only takes a few minutes and can benefit students greatly, depending on the candidates and their platforms.
Students who feel silenced or who think they are not being represented fairly should take a look in the mirror.
Student government can’t be expected to do all the work, they are after all for the most part also students. For the 20,000+ students here at Cerritos roughly less than 1,000 voted in these past elections. So only only 5 percent of students are being represented.
Sure the student’s life is stressful and busy and not all students will want or be able to take an active role in school politics, but of those who can should pay more attention to school politics.
For those who think that they don’t have a voice, look back at what has been accomplished by student government.
Students were the ones that got healthy food choices for Cerritos students and they were the ones that brought attention for the need of more classes this summer session.
Your one voice does count, if you add it to the hundreds of other active student’s voices.
