Something Shravan Savant, NJR Vice Mayoral Candidate, wrote for me that I want to share with all of you

If someone told me to write about how JSA has made a personal difference, I truly wouldn’t know where to begin. Though I was merely part of my school’s JSA chapter last year, this year I feel like I’ve been reborn into this club, and have been closely involved with the Junior State not only in my school, but throughout the Mid-Atlantic State! It’s definitely taught me how to formally debate, but also how to diplomatically respect other peoples perspectives and opinions on issues. The very same perspectives and ideas of others has also taught me a valuable lesson; in the world, whenever there is a conflict with two sides, there can always be a good argument for each viewpoint; as long as you can back it up with fact there is no wrong answer. And of course, public speaking, a common problem for many teens, has become fluent to me like a second language through JSA, which has subsequently made me a lot more confident in school for presentations and such. Not only has JSA been a skill-builder, but I have gotten the chance to debate some pretty amazing topics and have met so many people who have been so helpful to me, in and outside of my campaign. Its just so comforting to have people who are always willing to help, always ready to give advice, and more importantly, always inspiring kids like me to become a better debater and a better JSAer. All in all, I can truly say that JSA has been a like a family for me.

Soon I figured out that JSA was a club that I decided to become more involved in, and I decided to run for election as Vice-Mayor. Right then, I knew I was the under-dog, with the other candidates flaunting elaborate credentials from years of JSA experience, from graduating from JSA summer schools to holding high positions of office in their own JSA chapter. But with Barack Obama’s victory over the veterans Hilary Clinton in the primaries and eventually John McCain when he was deemed inexperienced, I didn’t feel discouraged. I simply based my campaign on the most important ideal in any governmental system, “give the people what they want.” So I talked to many people, picking up insight from the biggest of JSA leaders to the regular attendees of Winter Congress. And with that I devised my campaign, which I believe satisfies many of the issues the JSAers were concerned about. Looking back on this awesome election season, win or lose this election has been probably the most valuable experience. I’ve met people, made friends, debated wacky topics, and have become more proficient in politics as a whole than I expected. It is thanks to JSA, to all the marvelous minicons, crazy conventions and diverse debates,  that I can proudly say “democracy is not a spectator sport.”

Regards,

Shravan Savant

FHS Director of Debate

NJR Vice-Mayoral Candidate