Yesterday was Christmas. Unlike the rest of America, and most of the world, the headlines did not take a break. The news yesterday was as filled with despair as any other day. The top 5 headlines read "Santa gunman planned to flee to Canada, Cruise ship passenger reported missing near Cancun, Madoff suicide investor lost own money, Pakistan redeveloping troops to Indian border, US urging clam over possible Pakistan troop moves, and Kennedy tells AP she'll have to work twice as hard.” It was just as depressing as any other day of the year.

One headline stuck out – Kennedy tells AP she’ll have to work twice as hard.

Now that Hillary Clinton has been appointed Secretary of State by President Elect Barack Obama, Democratic Governor Paterson must appoint someone to fill Hillary’s senate seat. Caroline Kennedy has thrown her name in the hat for Senator. AP news reported that because of her famous background and lack of political experience, she admits she is, “an unconventional choice.” She realizes she will have to work “twice as hard as anybody else.”

Although the public does not know who will replace Hillary, many wonder if it is fair that Kennedy is a potential choice. Is she qualified? Did her background provide her with the insight and experience to rule? Is she only a prospect because of her background? Regardless of the answers to these questions, she is a possibility.

I personally hope that Kennedy will be chosen. She is qualified. The media claims that she will have to work twice as hard because she is famous and does not have much political experience. I think that she will have to work twice as hard because she is a woman.

Like many other instances in society, as a woman, she will be held to different standards. Gender roles are used by humans to define not only others, but also themselves. Until we as women acknowledge the way we use gender roles to define ourselves, we will be restricted by them.

 

Thanks to my good friend, Ryan Todd, I was invited to an Arkansas Supporters of Bill Reception this weekend. I had no idea that Former President Bill Clinton would be in attendance. I showed up nearly an hour late and not surprising anyone there, Former President Clinton showed up even later. For those who don’t live in Arkansas let me let you in on a little secret – Former President Bill Clinton is ALWAYS late.  

In Denver I was given the opportunity to see Former President Clinton and many others, but this is the first time I’ve gotten to speak with one. About 30 minutes before he came in the room the secret service scattered themselves throughout the 3^rd floor where the reception was being held. I’m not sure if the secret service came in early to scan the crowd or because that’s when Former President Clinton was scheduled to arrive. ; )

When I met Former President Clinton, he asked about my college plans and congratulated me for winning the Daniel Cayce Award. I never expected to get to tell Former President of the United States of America my plans for college. I also mentioned that I applied for a job working with the Clinton Foundation. He told me about how Chleasa was doing now and what Hillary was up to. After buttoning up his jacket to take a few pictures with us, he made his way to thank his staff.

We left the party and went to a local restaurant downtown to grab a bite to eat. When we left the restaurant we saw a small crowd gathered around across the street of the building the reception was held in. The group all had their camera phones out. Former President Clinton walked out the door and they all cheered. Instead of jumping straight into the secret service vehicle, Former President Clinton walked across the street, not surprising his secret service.

Even though it was past 10 and he had obviously had a long day, Former President Clinton was still able to see everyone. He is the most charismatic man I’ve ever met in my life. He has helped me understand that real government acknowledges the little people. He has showed that it is not easy to take the extra time, but that it is worth it because it may make someone’s day. There is a reason after all that he is Bill Clinton.

(Pictured above: Daniel Cayce, who the award was named after; Nikolai DiPippa, Deputy Director of Public Programs at the Clinton School of Public Service; and Me)

I was privledged enough to be a finalist for the Daniel Cayce Award for Inspiration Leadership in Public Service. Nine other finalists from across the state of Arkansas joined me at the Clinton School of Public Service for a reception. I was impressed with the level of service across my state. It is exciting to see that young people across the nation are doing such amazing things.

After meeting all of the finalists and hearing about their projects, I was honored to receive the Daniel Cayce Award from the Clinton School of Public Service for Inspiration Leadership in Public Service.

I was asked to speak. I got to speak on the stage where I've seen so many famous people speak, noble peace prize winners, Bill Clinton, Presidents from around the world, political analysts, and so many other important people. A local newspaper article reported me as being "speechless" when I was on stage. It was so humbling to be on that stage and to speak into that microphone.

All finalists were given a tour of the Clinton Presidential Library following the ceremony. It is not possible to describe Clinton's library. It is simply something that must be seen in person. Bill Clinton accomplished so much in just 8 years. Bill Clinton is the reason that so much HOPE existed across the nation and world during my childhood. Bill Clinton is the reason that every little kid growing up in a small town can know they can do anything they want to do. Bill Clinton has set an excellent example of service for the country to follow.

Being around such a selfless group of students inspires me. Like Bill, they know, that the most fulfilling life is one of service.

(Pictured Below: Me being "speechless.")

(Pictured above left is me before the Christmas Reception. Pictured bottom left is me on the steps of the Governor's Mansion in the Grand Hall during the Christmas Reception.)

Even though I’ve only been involved in politics for less than one year, I’ve managed to develop a large network of contacts. One of Arkansas’ former governor’s once said, “Keep in touch with people because you never know when a connection will help you.”

In simple terms networking is a favor system. The more people one knows, the larger their network is. The more people one knows, the more people they have to go for favors. One must realize that they must be willing to return these favors in return. It is not all about favors though. Networking is also about developing and cultivating a relationship with another individual. Networking is not something that can only be applied in politics or business; it can apply this skill in your daily life, like school. If a student is able to establish personal relationships with teachers, they will have increased resources and opportunities at school.

I’ve already experienced the importance of networking. When I walked down the steps of the Governor’s Mansion last night for the annual Christmas Reception, I was reminded of the large network of people I’ve developed over the last year. I scanned the crowd and recognized Jimmy Brewer a union leader who I met at fundraiser this summer, Representative Janet Johnson who inspired me to go into politics, Governor Beebe who can remember everyone, even me, and quite a few other faces. At last night’s event, I couldn’t help but meet a few new people.

Weather you consider is good or bad, networking is a part of any successful person’s life. Once you effectively utilize the skill, an infinite amount of opportunities awaits.

Two weeks ago I competed in the preliminaries to Miss Teen Arkansas International. My platform for the pageant was Promoting Girls in Government. I titled 1^st alternate and was awarded the Community Service Award because of my work with government.

Competing in pageants has prepared me to be involved in government. I’ve learned excellent speaking skills by presenting my platform on stage. Politicians also develop and present platforms. Although their platforms contain more detail, this was excellent practice. I also received multiple day long trainings on interviews. Because of this preparation, I feel as if I am well prepared for any job interview that comes my way. In addition to gaining oratorical skills and learning how to have a successful interview I gained a newfound confidence, which I will apply to every area of my life.

This just shows that you can use any situation to prepare yourself for a career in government, public service, or whatever future you choose. Even though I did not win my pageant, I used it to prepare me for my future. You pick what you take from a situation. Take everything you can.