Student’s Perspective on Politics:
By Giovanna Robledo

With this new campaign slogan, Obama made his vision clear last week during the Democratic Convention in Charlotte, Carolina. But do the young voters of America that voted him into office in 2008 still believe in Obama and his ideals?

“Four years ago, the young rallied behind Obama because he appealed to their unspoiled idealism,” said Kyle Doria, senior at Olympian High School.

But will this occur again in November? With no direct change in the lives of many students, the ardor that was there four years ago has already begun to disappear in the hearts of many. They’ve lost faith in Obama and his ability to live up to his idealistic promises. For some, the convention just reaffirmed their belief that Obama is not the right person for the job.

“I would not vote for Obama because of my lack of faith he will accomplish anything major in a second term,” said Alex Creighton, senior at Olympian High School. “It’s Romney’s turn.”

Others, however, seem to still be attracted to Obama’s optimistic view and fresh spirit. Many young voters look at Romney and see what they have always seen- an old boring white politician. Obama, on the other hand, represents an exciting change; they see in him a young, strong, enthusiastic leader. Some even argue that they see themselves in him.

“I didn’t vote for Obama because he believed in everything I believed in,” said Ricardo Hernandez, sophomore at Harvard University. “I voted for him because I saw myself reflected in him. He represents the ambitious striving college students of America… and that is why I will vote for him again this November.”

Besides his credibility and image, Obama’s educational policies and goals, specifically Pell grants, have also become a focus of many young voters this election. While Romney refuses to increase and even plans to decrease the number of Pell grants, Obama has promised to increase the number of Pell grants given each year. Obviously favoring young college students, this difference in views has even convinced a few Republican students to vote for Obama this November.

“Although I do not agree with him on various other issues, I have to vote for Obama only because his stance on tuition will benefit me later on,” said Jacob Castanho, Senior at Olympian High School.

Another issue drawing student attention, specifically those classified as illegal immigrants, is Obama’s support of the DREAM act and his recent executive order temporarily halting the deportation of many young illegal immigrants through “deferred action”. While Governor Romney has said he would veto such legislation, President Obama reaffirmed his support of a stronger future act in his speech at the Democratic convention last week. Unlike the general public, students have been known to lean toward Obama’s stance on this normally controversial topic.

“We’ve been going to school with them our entire lives,” said Aurea Bolanos, freshman at UC Merced. “We seen their struggle and we understand their story. That’s why most of us agree that this is really a great thing- an opportunity for us as a nation.”

Some students, however, have questioned the President’s motives with the passing of this executive order. They don’t believe President Obama passed it because it was the “right thing to do” but because he wanted to gain Hispanic votes in critical swing states, such as Florida. Still, the only thing that matters is how many students will go out and vote for him because of it.

“Regardless of his intentions, this move may definitely be the difference in the elections for Obama considering the importance of the Latino’s vote,” said Karla Mendoza, senior at Olympian High School.

As November approaches and young voters get ready to make their decision, they will have a number of policies and promises that directly affect them to think about. Whether it’s because of his strong youthful image, his optimistic vision, or his policies that will shape the future of young students, Obama needs to convince young voters of America to come out and elect him into office once again.

The stance of young voters still remains unclear. Some have lost faith completely, others believe in him more than ever, and still others refuse to make a decision until the debates occur. What is clear is this: young voters will play a crucial role in the upcoming election.

As Doria said: “Whoever wins the young vote, wins.”