Return to Headlines
Rep. Bera returns to the classroom to engage students
Story by Sydney Northcutt, FCUSD Communications Internship Program
Civic responsibility and staying informed politically are key aspects of being a contributing member of society. Last week students in the Folsom Cordova had the opportunity to engage in town halls with Congressman Ami Bera, the House representative of the 7th district of California. For juniors and seniors currently learning about U.S. Government in the classroom, this was a valuable opportunity to supplement curriculum with an interactive experience.
Congressman Bera visited the students of Carrie Jackson's AP Government class at Vista del Lago High School on Wednesday. Every term Jackson has her students write letters to their local House representative or state senator, and the president. Upon receiving and reading the individual letters from Jackson's students, Congressman Bera reached out and offered a visit to the students.
"I was really excited and really moved because it's the first time anyone has ever reached out after receiving the letters," said Jackson, "I think there is this sentiment that these politicians don't really care or just don't have the time to really care about some 17 or 18-year-old's concerns. . . I think it empowers students to feel like their voices are heard in some way."
Students learned not only about politics, but Congressman Bera offered personal advice as well.
"I was pretty inspired that the whole time he kept coming back to this idea of even if people tell you you can't do something you can still do it," said Rasa Forati, a 12th grader in Jackson's AP Government class.
Forati highlighted the benefits of having the opportunity to supplement classroom curriculum with real world examples. "You read about the U.S. House of Representatives in the textbook but to actually see one of the representatives in front of you is really cool. It makes the experience more personal."
On Thursday Congressman Bera also visited Cordova High School and engaged in a town hall with about 100 students. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the policies Congressman Bera supports.
Jesse Lazarev, a senior at Cordova High, said, "I was able to speak to [Congressman Bera] because I am part of the IB Global Politics class and it was the perfect opportunity to use what I learned in the class and address current issues within our society.