Lone Star College-CyFair students recently had the opportunity to experience Super Tuesday, the biggest day of the 2016 primary season, first hand.
A dozen LSC-CyFair students in Professors Jennifer Bourgeois and Jason Fernandez’s criminal justice and psychology clubs, as well as Phi Theta Kappa members and Student Ambassadors, were invited to be audience members at the local Super Tuesday broadcast live on MSNBC.
“I enjoyed seeing the students engaging in meaningful conversations with other students and other individuals at the event,” said Bourgeois. “It was even more memorable because students were able to meet and speak with national MSNBC political commentators Chris Matthews and Chris Hayes.”
Fernandez said many students do not know the importance of Super Tuesday, a day that can sometimes make or break a candidate’s campaign.
“This exposure provided our students, some of whom are not politically driven, an opportunity to get involved and to learn about politics,” he said.
And what did students learn as they watched the results of this year’s primaries unfold on national television?
Bryan Ramirez said “Watching politics from a different perspective was very eye opening and a great way to experience the way real politicians discuss their opinion.”
Dilma Pena, who has always had a passion for debate and politics, said she doesn’t want to stand on the sidelines and be a reactive rather than proactive member of society.
“Being a college student, this experience made me realize that now is the time when we must unite and give voice to our opinions so that we are heard,” said Pena. “We need to become more involved in our nation’s political debates and trajectories and show a united front because at the end of the day it’s our future.”
Karen Moreno admitted she would not have paid much attention to what was said on TV had she been at home. However, having a front row seat and hearing differences of opinions helped her “to really focus on what was going on with the polls and decisions” and that “our country needs a strong leader who will make a difference and help the citizens of the United States.”
The behind-the-scenes look at political reporting was a once in a lifetime experience for Rey Laurencio, a Phi Theta Kappa student.
“To see Chris Mathews in action, responding without hesitation to all questions, was an unforgettable sight,” said Laurencio. “I am fortunate to have been able to witness the real-world applications of political science concepts learned in the classroom.”
For information on LSC-CyFair’s Student Life or political science and government course offerings, go to LoneStar.edu/cyfair.
