JSA - Moving In Confluence With My Community by Alexander

JSA - Moving In Confluence With My Community by Alexander - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

In 2014, a friend introduced me to Junior State of America (JSA), America’s largest student-run organization, which uses its platform to promote democratic leadership skills, challenge individuals to think critically, and engage in political discourse. Civic engagement has always interested me, so I was attracted to the outlet JSA provided for students to convey their opinions and serve their communities on a local, state, and national level.

I laid the groundwork to start a JSA chapter at my school. In 2015, I hosted EqualiCon, a conference at the Plano Police Headquarters where 50 JSA members across the DFW Metroplex attended for introspective debates, bonding over pizza, and to listen to Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere speak on the profound legacy of MLK. Organizing this event was a demanding endeavor, but it was a tremendous opportunity to have discussions concerning civil rights between students of diverse backgrounds.

Over the next year, I entrenched myself in nearly every aspect of JSA. As Director of Expansion, I started five chapters and helped fundraise for disadvantaged students to attend JSA conventions. For my efforts, I was one of 65 JSA members in the nation selected to attend the Montezuma Leadership Summit in San Jose, California. This enriching experience reaffirmed my commitment to JSA and gave me the confidence to run for Lieutenant Governorship - an uphill battle.

Financial constraints, family issues, and demographic realities positioned me as an underdog at the outset. I relied on my indefatigable work ethic and sound people skills to even the playing field. To fund buttons, logos, and posters for campaigning, I did freelance web-design with local businesses. I also used my tech background to my advantage by building a web-presence on Tekle4LtG.com. I spent countless hours working the phone in the weeks leading up to the convention, securing endorsements from JSA leaders across the nation. In the scant time remaining, I painstakingly crafted a speech to highlight my contributions to JSA and my progressive vision for its future.

“Each of us has to consciously make a decision on what to make of our time in JSA. I implore each of you to ask not what JSA can do for you - ask what you can do for JSA.”

I channelled John F. Kennedy not only because his message about service as reward resonated with me, but because I understand that progress relies on an appropriate respect for and assessment of the path we’ve traveled to reach our current station. It is not our starting point in life that defines us, but how we engage in the self-sorting that makes sense not only our society, but our place in it, so we transcend circumstance. I believe in that transcendence as an American ideal and as the goal of higher education. After a grueling wait, my belief and hard work were vindicated: I was elected Texas JSA’s Lieutenant Governor for the 2016-17 school year. When I reflect on my 3 years in JSA, I’m overcome with pride and joy for my own personal growth as well as successes in uniting people for a larger purpose, and for affirming my belief that we are stronger as citizens when we direct our talents and energies toward a goal beyond the narrow constriction of our own personal advancement. Just as I plan to take Texas JSA to new heights by meshing my personal ambitions with a collective vision, I will continue to promote civic involvement amongst within my future university. I have come to understand that my life is improved as it moves in confluence with my community - I want to leave JSA as a better individual, while leaving JSA a better place for my contributions.