EDMOND —
University of Central Oklahoma students Anna Langthorn and Aaron Wilder got a firsthand look at presidential politics in action earlier this month as they represented Oklahoma as delegates at the Democratic National Convention, Sept. 3-6 in Charlotte N.C.
Langthorn, graduate of Edmond North High School, is a freshman studying sociology at Central. She became involved in government through her Young Democrats chapter at her high school. Over the years she has become more involved with the state Democratic party.
“The convention really helped me see that everything we do and every choice we make, whether it is riding the bus or buying organic food, is affected by a decision of a past legislator,” Langthorn said. “It is important for us to participate in those decisions.”
Wilder, graduate of Putnam City North High School and also a freshman, is studying political science. He has worked for 2010 congressional candidate Billy Coyle, former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and is an intern for Organizing for America, an group created to continue grassroots organizing and support for President Barack Obama following the 2008 presidential election.
“The enthusiasm at the convention was incredible,” Wilder said. “The convention showed me that I can truly make a difference and impact people around me by being active in the government.”
Langthorn and Wilder were elected in the spring and were the youngest delegates from Oklahoma to attend the convention.
“As a young voter, we must be proactive. This is our world and we can make a change,” Wilder said.
Central students interested in politics can be involved in the Young Democrats or College Republican chapters on campus. These organizations encourage and assist in the election of candidates to local, state and national office. Students can also start their own organizations or get involved in the UCO Student Association, the student governing body. For more information on these organizations visit www.uco.edu/student-life.orgs.
Langthorn and Wilder hope to pursue careers involving governmental policymaking.
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UCO students were state’s youngest delegates at DNC
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