If the Political Science Club Can, So Can You

By Neil Sharma

Editor-in-Chief

In a world being ripped at its seams, there are many that will tell you diplomacy and non-partisanship are things of the past, an idealistic, unlikely remnant of a time when the United States was not so clearly embroiled in the midst of a culture war that consumes it today, with two sides as incompatible as can be. And who can blame them, when riots, protests and vitriolic identity politics fill our world, seemingly from daylight to twilight. Well, as my final Op-Ed as Editor-in-Chief and student at GTCC, I would like to share some parting words of hope, from my time leading the Political Science Club, with the intent of building a case for finding unity in our increasingly divided present.

This will not be an overtly political post. I simply wish to reflect on my journey with the esteemed institution mentioned and try to convince our readers that strides can be made to tackle partisanship and build teamwork despite disagreements.

‘Friends, Family and Titans. Welcome to the Political Science Club. A simple platform for open discourse. Here we debate, discuss, but do not judge, and most importantly, encourage all to listen to one another with an open mind at all times.’

These were my opening words to meetings we hosted every Tuesday at Davis Hall 208, and later Discord. In the beginning, there was just me, but soon, by keeping our doors open and by pushing for acceptance of thought for not one but all, our numbers grew. A boisterous group, our lively discussions could not be tempered as individuals leaped from one contentious issue to the next, debating gun rights, feminism, abortion, voter ID laws, international wars, pandemic responses, riots, and protests to name a few. Often emotions reached a palpable boil, but the glory of our institutional experiment lay in the comradery that occurred at the end of long meetings. Here, despite the political typhoon that swirled before the reckoning of the 2020 election, where friendships were likely forged or broken simply on subscribed identity, we had members from all backgrounds, all extremes of the political spectrum, discussing, debating, and learning about the world around them. In this melting pot, we had moderates, independents, Republicans, and Democrats, vehement in their views but still shaking hands, respecting their colleagues and their endeavors to share pointed views at our new platform. For all parties involved knew one thing: disagreements on policy aside, all our members wanted the best for their country and also their world.

This band of sisters and brothers, though voracious defenders of their faith and line of thinking, were always still willing partners in coming forward to support our community through the Political Science Club. All, united by their belief that their world was better served by encouraging active engagement and participation in the politics that surrounded them, they worked hard to bring opportunities for Titans around to also appreciate the fact. These robust individuals did so through voter drives and later a televised District 6 Town Hall that brought countless through our doors to hear the platform of candidates of all persuasions and ask them more about themselves. A behemoth endeavor in which all members participated and fulfilled roles of moderators, question writers, public relations managers, and guides/hosts for the public as they came in in droves. A cause that could never have succeeded without the ability to see the big picture.

As you would expect, I highlight these grand ventures since there were at times seething disagreements in policy or practice (our biggest concern was our enshrined neutrality as many members wished us to pick a side and be done with it), but these diverse members, who likely did not share an identity, shared the same goal and a commitment to serve our community. Through highs and lows, we continued to enact numerous food drives, fundraisers, financial education workshops, bearing not our uncertainties, but our determination to building a better GTCC. And despite all odds, this driven courage is what would earn this organization the coveted Club of the Year title, back in 2020.

Bridging all that could have divided us, we all came through for what was best for Guilford Tech.

For myself, it mattered not my identity, but my role as chief moderator, leader in charge of the sanctity of the club. Which is to say, in my members growth in conversation and breaking past their previous echo chambers, I saw my success as President. My goal was simply to nourish this bond of trust and respect, while encouraging one to delve out of their comfort zone and explore the world. And if I succeeded even slightly in this endeavor, my heart was happy.

In summation, disagreement, disillusionment, dejection will always be a part of any institution that is tasked with boosting and caretaking society. That will always be there. It is the bravery to find common ground and chart forward in unison that will gain the favor of history and our future progeny, when looked back. I hope Congress will look upon our diverse yet different group as a shining example of diplomacy and compromise at work, for a shared mission to serve our community and beyond.