Q: Tell me a bit about yourself.
I’m from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. I went to school at Lake Forest College, where I studied Politics and American Studies, with a minor in History. In my free time I like to go to Six Flags. I’m an adrenaline junkie, so I love going on roller coasters. I’m also a nerd so I like comics, movies, and listening to rock and roll.
Q: When did you first become interested in politics?
I had to study the Constitution during my 8th grade year, which I found interesting and something that came naturally to me. Then in high school I had a wonderful teacher who was kind of dorky but very encouraging and knowledgeable about politics, and her passion was something that really resonated with me. She showed me that we can make a difference by being civically involved, and it has changed the course of my academic and professional life.
Q: Why did you decide to join PTP?
I really like the PTP mission statement in that we’re trying to inspire more people to vote. Having lived in a competitive congressional district for so long and seeing it switch back and forth between Republican and Democrats, and it irks me when people say they don’t know what’s going on or that they don’t think they can make a difference. After living here my whole life, I’ve learned that you can in fact make a difference just by showing up to the polls. I worked as an intern for a congressional campaign in the past, and being involved with people my age in this super competitive district where no one seemed to know or care about the election stung a bit, so doing everything I can to get other people to at least acknowledge it is definitely worthwhile.
Q: How have your past experiences helped prepare you as a Field Rep?
I was a girl scout growing up and had to do fundraising in high school so I know what it’s like going to a stranger’s door and asking them for something. I just told myself whatever happens happens, and it’ll be worth it in the long run. It’s a little different now because it’s politics, so a lot of people think you’re trying to persuade them one way or convince them of something, which is why it’s important to be prepared and go with the flow.
Q: What was the most memorable encounter you’ve had with someone while working as a field rep?
I had a good experience the other day with this older woman who was a retired teacher. She and I had a great conversation about what it means to vote in general, which I thought was interesting because it was nice to get to the heart of the issue of voting. She was telling me about how back in the 1970s she was denied from jobs and couldn’t even get a mortgage by herself because she was a woman. That struck a chord with me because I’ve read about issues of blatant sexism in our history, but for someone to tell me about it happening to them, that’s different. Those sort of conversations that I have with voters are definitely the most rewarding.
Q: If you could have lunch with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I’d say FDR because he’s been the longest serving president of our nation, and I feel like a lot of what he did and what he went through was filtered through the war and Great Depression. I’d like to see what he would have to say about things now, and get his take on everything that is happening today. Because Eleanor was such a big influence on him and did a lot of the day to day stuff when he physically couldn’t, I’d like to ask him what he thinks of Hillary as another strong female who is running for president. Would she approve?
Q: Who is your favorite character from a movie or book?
Batman. His unbounded determinism and intelligence is very inspiring. Disregarding the fact that he has a buttload of money, even without it he could still be Batman. All it takes is that ridiculous amount of determination and the will to help others– that’s his superpower. He has so much determination that he never stops. It’s something we can all strive for.
