 Katy Bohinc
"Role Model: Empress Wu Zeitan, Betty Friedan, George Soros and my Aunt Genny."
How do you lead a political life?
I read the news and attempt to incorporate the events of the world into my social conversation. It’s difficult to say what precisely is politics because it’s not just the senate or the Presidency. There are environmental politics, feminist politics, anything with policy. But it’s always important to not only read about the world, but to voice your opinion. This doesn’t mean you have to be violent about it but it is important to speak out on your principles and take a stand. I think doing the small things that I do, the everyday things are most effective.
When did you start caring about politics?
I remember growing up that the adults at the table were always discussing politics. I always used to stick around and listen in to see what it was that they cared about. When I was a college freshman, I made it a goal to be more up to date in world affairs.
What steps did you take to get to where you are?
I started by subscribing to The Economist and reading it front to back. As I moved through college, I began to read more and more, branching out to read radical alternative news sources from all parts of the political spectrum. That really gives you a perspective on the political environment you are living in. I also tried to travel as much as possible, not only for vacation. I think it is important to put yourself in a different environment than your own and the longer you’re there the better. I chose to go to China from September 2004 till August 2005. I studied and had the opportunity to work for a human rights organization there. The organization worked with the rural farmers, trying to inform them of their legal rights under the Chinese Constitution, and trying to strengthen rule of law in rural china. Specifically we spent a lot of time monitoring elections and mediating land plots.
How do you think politics affects your daily life?
Being a citizen of a democracy, you should know what is happening everyday. It’s the responsibility of a citizen and it is necessarily in order to maintain a true democracy. Georgetown is such a political climate. There is always some issue everyone is talking about or some speaker talking about another issue. Politics dominates daily discussion at Georgetown so it’s hard to ignore.
What advice do you have for people who want to get involved?
I think getting a real perspective on the world is the most important thing. Traveling is such a great way to do that because you go and live in a completely foreign climate. The longer you stay the better your perspective is. I also think it is great to get out and volunteer, whether its for a campaign or a non-governmental organization (NGO). It is so easy to get involved now and it’s really great to get out there and learn about your political environment. But the first step is always going to be to read the news. Try reading alternative news sources from all parts of the political spectrum and read some comments on articles. It’s always good to know what everyone else thinks about the same bit of news.
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
I would borrow from our unused technology and create some device that could heat and cool and maintain a comfortable environment for everyone in the world. And it would be completely clean—environmentally friendly. I would also make it so the device would open up and inside would be an endless supply of this special pill. This pill would cure Malaria, AIDS, Avian Flu… every disease imaginable plus provide all the necessary nutrition to live. So we would have saved the environment, ended disease, and stopped hunger with one device that I would give every single family in the world. I also would like it if more people paid attention to the prison system in the United States and if religious bashing would stop. The latter is only making things worse and driving everyone farther apart.
Age: 23
University: Georgetown University
Hometown: Gates Mills, OH
Occupation: Student
First thing you do when you wake up: Get my Coffee, Check e-mail, Check the news
Favorite Band: Chanticlear
Role Model: Empress Wu Zeitan, Betty Friedan, George Soros and my Aunt Genny.
Dream Job: Working for the United Nations
Favorite Quote: Anything worthwhile is hard |
