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of Politics of student activism and political involvement. “We’re old enough to have responsibilities and be able to drive and stay home alone,” Velakaturi said. “Why can’t we take charge of the laws that affect us and which adults are making decisions about us?” The campaigns she works on heavily rely on youth activism and volunteering, according to Velakaturi. Former Finance Assistant for Davids’ campaign Amanda Sharp views youth engagement as a crucial part of any campaign. “All of the interns we had for the 2018 election cycle, especially Raj, were hard workers who had diligent work ethic and amazing ambition,” Sharp said. “I think any young person who gets involved in the tumultuous landscape that is our political system right now possess an amazing sense of selflessness and a commitment to public service we can only hope to see mirrored in the generations ahead who are actually holding office right now.” Velakaturi largely attributes her interest in politics to the work she does on campaigns. She enjoys being able to see how a successful campaign functions and how laws and policies are developed. “I can see firsthand how change and policy and all these decisions on laws are made, and I kind of get to see how the country is shaped,” Velakaturi said. “I hope to get really good experiences and and learn how I can help, and possibly learn how to be a public servant in the future.” Along with a growing interest in public service, volunteering with campaigns has given Velakaturi a renewed sense of determination and self-assurance.
She cites learning how to talk to people she disagrees with and meeting other young people on campaigns as her reason for her tenacity. “I think she definitely has gotten more ambition and confidence,” junior Nicole Jackson said. “She’s very more aware about the world and she knows everything that’s going on.” Back in her plastic folding chair, Velakaturi hangs up the phone. She types the name and information of a voter she just convinced to vote for Buttigieg into the computerized system and smiles. She knows she is fighting for change, for a better future, for good. But she knows the work is never finished. She nods, punches in a new number, and lets the dial tone ring once again.
Junior Rajitha Velakaturi phone-banks with Congresswoman Sharice Davids to convince voters to vote for Davids Nov. 3, 2018. “There are a lot of laws or policies that affect us, and if our voices aren’t heard, then those policies could affect us negatively,” Velakaturi said. “But if we speak up, then at least we can say that our voice was heard.”
(Photo submitted by Rajitha Velakaturi)
FEBRUARY 2020
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