Sam Dowd Perspectives Politicalinterest 500 In the 2009 Princeton Review of the 371 Best Colleges, Sacred Heart

was given the number 2 rating in Election, What Election?. This indication of the lack of interest students have in politics is echoed when many are asked how they feel about politics. I dont care at all, said junior Chris Daly. I really dont care about it to be honest, said sophomore Vinny Bianco. I hate them and know nothing about them, said sophomore Sydney Ortega. I dont really care, personally, said senior Will Garcia. For Bianco, its the idea that our vote, and our opinions really dont matter. You really cant change what happens, we dont have any say. I live my life the way it is, nothing much we can do, he said. Garcia said he just doesnt have the time or enough of an interest to follow it. He said, Its annoying when students debate politics in class because its hard for everyone who doesnt care to follow it. Garcia suggests about three-quarters of the class doesnt care about politics. Bianco responded to that and said, 96 percent of the country doesnt care. For the Graduate Assistant in the Factory, Kristina Bostley, politics is one of those things that she doesnt pay attention to unless it affects her directly. I dont have an impatience for talking about it, I am happy to listen and learn, but as far as participating myself, I just dont have the knowledge, she said.

Junior Marcella Repetto has a genuine interest in politics, but she said, My friends arent interested in it, so I dont talk about it much at school. When she goes home she enjoys a political discussion, as long as it stays respectful on both sides. Junior Heather Gambacorto said she is uneducated on politics, but she still cares. Even though she may not know much about what policies, or bills are being passed, or the views of each candidate in an election, she realizes the importance of our political system. I care about politics because this is our country. I obviously want the best for our country and I care about our rights. If we dont participate or vote then we wont have our say, she said. Sacred Heart does have a few politically minded clubs. The College Republicans and the College Democrats are both active clubs under Student Governments Councils, Clubs, and Organizations. According to their description on the Sacred Heart Web site, The College Republicans is an active campus organization that sponsors speakers, voter registration drives, and political debates. The Club is very active in federal, state and local elections and encourages students to become deeply involved in the American political process. Similarly, the site of the College Democrats states, the College Democrats shall educate and train its members so that they may be better able to educate students about the philosophy of the Democratic Party; assist in the election of local, state, and national Democratic candidates and affect political change on the local, state, and national level. President of the College Republicans, and sophomore, Mario Valenti said of the challenge of political apathy, The best method that I have found in tackling this problem is to actually sit down with a student and try and relate politics to their life.

When a student can see directly how politics can affect their life, they will begin to have a genuine interest in it.

End. Chris Daly- In person Will Garcia- In Person Kristina Bostley- in person Marcella Repetto- In person Sydney Ortega- email Heather Gambacorto- email College Republicans- Web site College Democrats- Web site Vinny Bianco- in person