Ian Gibson

College Essay  -  Personal Statement

Why I chose “Political Science” as my major…

	Politics has always been a particular passion of mine. I’ve always looked up with 
admiration to those who assumed public office and worked hard to improve the lives of 
those around them. As a young boy staring at CNN for hours upon hours, watching 
talking heads argue with each other over complex and complicated issues, I was 
spellbound. These were adults that had responsibility and respect – persons that decided 
the fate of the world. I remember emulating their doublespeak and eloquent rhetoric by 
pretending to lecture to an imagined crowd about the benefits of a peanut butter and jelly 
sandwich. 
	As I grew older, I began to understand, if only vaguely, the important issues that 
guided politicians. The more knowledge I gained, the more I realized how correct my 
young assumption had been – politics does rule the world. Everything, from the price of 
the Rice Crispies I ate to the next base my military family would move to was decided by 
a small group of elite public servants (the former affected by FDA regulations and the 
latter dictated by changing foreign policy). 
	Fourth grade brought a momentous event for me – my first year in student 
government. To this day I still remember the pride that filled me as I sat with a small 
group of “student representatives” and adult advisors, discussing what we could do for 
the school and local community. I had found my calling – public service allowed me take 
my hobby (politics) and turn it into my passion (student leadership). 
	As I grew older, my enthusiasm grew greater. In 2000, it was campaigning for 
Gore that took up most of my time, and the first sting of political defeat with the drawn-
out recount process. Eighth grade brought me my first elected position – I ran a campaign 
of finance reform and extensive fundraising that won me the presidency of my middle 
school SGA. That same year, I also became the first middle school representative for the 
county-wide student organization. I successfully campaigned to principals across the 
county and single-handedly established four new middle school student governments.
	High school only brought me even more opportunities to excel in an area I 
thoroughly enjoyed. As parliamentarian on the school and county level, I modernized 
each organizations constitution and participated in youth lobbying efforts through 
extensive parliamentary procedure. Today, I hold the position of student body president – 
a victory I have looked forward to for eight years. I’m finally in a position where I can 
make an enormous difference in the lives of those around me. Be it a massive food drive 
campaign, a voter registration concert, or a community carnival, I am able to serve my 
school in a beneficial way.
	In college, I hope to continue my study of politics and leadership. As my view of 
the world and knowledge of it expands, I plan to continue my streak of successful public 
service. Only by helping those around me can I truly make a positive difference in the 
world.