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“The classes of The Institute for the Public Trust are only once a week. There’s no homework, and there’s not many expectations except for contributing to a refreshingly intellectual level of discussion and eating the snacks he provides.
And yet this “class” taught me so much more than any other I’ve taken at UNC. I added the quotation marks because it’s not a class at all: it’s a room of bright minds around a couple of tables, diving into the unknown realm of American politics. The thing is, though, after a few of these sessions, the entire concept of politics, public office, and public service in general becomes less and less unknown.
It becomes something you can wrap your mind around–something you can hold in your hands. Politics isn’t this esoteric, nebulous thing to me anymore: it’s just people. Or at least, that’s been my understanding after this very, very important series.
I’m forever indebted to The Institute for showing me that. I now have the clarity I never knew I was without, and in the future, when and if I’m called to action, I’ll know where to start.”
‘Thanks for everything this semester. Was having a conversation today and really respect, that regardless of personal political persuasion, your emphasis has been on getting informed and dedicated leaders to run for office, whatever their party denomination.”
“You know, when I am serving on Congress with people like Mary Cooper and Elizabeth McCain, it is going to be very difficult not to like them and work with them simply because I have gotten to know them much better through this course and hanging out with them.”