A Global Experience in Iowa?

By: Erin Smith

1/20/2020

Looking back on the past 10 days in Iowa, it is hard to believe we were only there for that short period of time. I had some reservations going into this trip because I had no idea what to expect. However, as we pulled out of the hotel this morning I was truly sad to be leaving the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of Iowa during the days leading up to the caucus. I will miss randomly running into candidates in the hotel lobby and having the opportunity to strike up conversations with people like the former VA Governor Terry McAulliffe or the President of CNN Jeff Zucker. Each day it seemed like I was meeting someone I usually only get to see on TV and never imagined I would actually be able to speak with them. 

For my last day of volunteering in Iowa, I worked a town hall event for Senator Warren at Weeks Middle School in Des Moines. It was a long morning of signing in guests and learning about the organization that is required for this type of event. I almost did not make it to the town hall because I had gotten sick the night before, but I woke up that morning and knew I had to pull it together to make sure I got the most of my short time in Iowa. The town hall was a great way for me to wrap up the trip and get one last picture (and a HUG) with my favorite candidate.

Even though I will miss the exciting rallies, events, and volunteer days all around Iowa,  I am happy to be back at Elon where I can apply all that I learned about politics, the media, and myself in Iowa. I feel like the third Global Engagement Learning goal, “Examine your responsibilities as an active global citizen informed by multiple perspectives,” applies best to my time in Iowa. Being in Iowa during this time gave me the chance to talk with dozens of Iowans from all different backgrounds with different opinions, which helped me understand what issues are important to them. Although I may not have left the country for J-term, I was still able to receive various perspectives on politics and the problems facing our country. This trip helped me realize the extent to which I am passionate about politics and how I can further my efforts to become an active global citizen.