High school students go to Denver convention

Amanda Alvarez, a student at Bell High School, is among a group of students from Southeast Los Angeles who are the Democratic National Convention as part of a project through Pepperdine University. She writes:

(Goo Goo Dolls, shown here at a previous concert, were a highlight of the long convetion day.)
Monday, Aug. 25. When I boarded the plane Sunday morning at LAX, I had my doubts. After today, I cannot imagine being anywhere else in the world.

Our first morning in Denver started quickly. All the students had to be downstairs bright and early and dressed sharply. We received a few quick pointers from our directors and headed off to the convention center.

When we jumped off the light rail, we were met by all kinds of political advocates. Some were protesting abortion, while others were getting into heated discussions about taxing meat. It was a totally new sight for me, but I have to admit that I was completely relieved to walk into the convention center. After walking for a few blocks in my heels, the Denver heat was getting to me.

It took us a while, but once we found the right ballroom, we ate free bagels (and who doesn’t like that?) and listened to a panel representing different religions discuss issues that affect religious Democrats today.

Photo by Ann Johansson / Los Angeles Times

After only half an hour there, I was lightly tapped on the shoulder by our program’s director, Anthony Collatos, and asked to go immediately next door to the Hispanic Caucus with a group of other students from our program, the 2008 Youth Empowerment and Research project.

As soon as I walked into the room, I could feel the energy emanating from every person. The speaker announced. “Join me in welcoming the senator from New York … ” Everyone went absolutely wild, myself included. It was such an exciting surprise to see Hillary Clinton in person. And as if that wasn’t enough to get the crowd going, her speech was amazing.

She is a powerful speaker, and with only a few words she had us shouting encouragement, or laughing at her jokes — especially when she spoke of John McCain’s ads. “My name is Hillary Clinton, and I do not approve this message,” she spoke into the microphone.

Sometime after she left the room, which was rather difficult as everyone was congregating around her, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez took the stage. Her speech was just as inspiring as Clinton’s, but the best part about it was that I was actually able to talk to her afterward. She was very nice and interested in answering all of my questions, and she shook my hand during our conversation!

Soon after we interviewed Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Pico Rivera Councilmember Bob Archuleta, and Raul Martinez, a congressional candidate from Florida. I was exhausted. I needed a break from taking notes and pictures.

Thankfully, at that point we went to lunch. We talked, we laughed at all the awkward moments we had at overcoming our fears of approaching people.

Later, we headed to the Pepsi Center to wait for Michelle Obama's speech. Her speech was emotional and touching. She represented everything a first lady should be, and I could definitely see her one day being compared with Nancy Reagan.

I was exhausted by this point and ready to go back to the dorms and sleep, but I really wanted to get some signs from the convention. One of our leaders, Gloria Gasca, took us to get some and now I have great souvenirs to take home. The night only got better from there.

We were invited to attend an event held by Howard Dean and although I was hesitant to go because of how tired I was, I made the right choice in going.

I was completely shocked and overwhelmed when Dean, who was like five feet away from us, announced that the Goo Goo Dolls were to take the stage. That was my first concert, and I don’t think it can ever be topped. I was literally only a couple of feet from John Rzeznik and when he started to sing "Iris" … Well I was almost speechless at that point. It was just incredible. The whole experience yesterday was just amazing. From Hillary Clinton to the Goo Goo Dolls.  I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Comments

[Irma Anderson]

I would like to know if a delegation will be sent to the Republican convention. If not, why not?. Who financed their trip? Will they also finance a group to go to the Republican convention? It seems to me that students should have an opportunity to also hear the other party's speakers and candidate so that they can have a balanced view of our governmental politics.

[mary johnson]

The reason that students was able to attend DNC was because students are off track and for some students school beginning on September 2, 2008. The main reason students with not be able to go to Republican Convention is students with be return back to school, when Republican Convention start. While in Denver, Colorado students are interviewing and meeting with Democratic and Republicians. The trip was sponsor by local donation from service clubs in Los County Southeast Area, plus donation from a foundation. This trip for students wasn't about being a Democratic or Republican, it about asking criticial questions, on issues of health care, education and immigration, issues that impact their lives and peoples in Los Angeles.

Mary Johnson, South Gate,California

[Amanda Alvarez]

Mary Johnson is right on the dot. Speaking as a researcher, I do agree that it is important to speak to not just one party; we did speak to a variety of people, ranging in beliefs, and positions. However, it must be kept in mind that we are at the Democratic Convention, and some of the people we speak to are of a like mind. The main question we're trying to answer is why people become civically engaged. We're not as interested in their political views. We do try to keep it balanced; a few of us attended a Ralph Nadar rally Wednesday night, and Friday morning we will be going to the Republican Headquarters. Next week we're planning on having a watch party for the RNC. So as you can see, we are doing our best to ensure that everyone has a chance to share their experience. Thank you.

[Hugo Herrera]

:D
best article ever
ahem i would like to tell you that you are very intelligent and you should get a job at the la times

[kimberly la rosa]

That's incredible! Have you ever considered being a journalist?

Why weren't any more blogs posted?

[Janelly Fragoso]

Amanda I love you!!!!!!!
I was at the DNC my self
and (ahem) John Rzeznik is MY boyfriend!