Send VT Teen to National Convention
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Hello family, friends, community members and strangers! My name is Aster O’Leary, and I’m an 18-year-old senior at South Burlington High School who is interested in politics and making a difference.
A few weeks ago, with a lot of support from family, friends and teachers, I campaigned to become a Vermont delegate to the Democratic National Convention this July. I made flyers and met as many people as I could, and was ecstatic (and a bit surprised!) to win the election.
Now, I have the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia this summer with other pledged delegates to represent Bernie Sanders and Vermont youth at the convention. This will no doubt be a life changing experience and, as one of the youngest Vermont delegates ever, an amazing way to represent a typically underrepresented demographic in politics.
Unfortunately, the Convention is not all expenses paid, and as someone heading to college this fall, I cannot afford the cost of travel and lodging for the Convention. I do have a job, and will be working hard to earn money both for college and for the Convention, but I am humbly asking for your assistance in granting me this incredible opportunity.
I would love to be able to represent youth in politics this summer in Philadelphia, and would be so grateful for any support.
A bit more about me:
Last summer, I had two amazing opportunities that sparked my interest in politics. Through my high school, I was selected to attend the American Legion Auxiliary-sponsored Girls State program at Vermont Technical College. I then had the honor of being chosen 1 of 2 Vermont “Senators” to attend Girls Nation in Washington, D.C.
In D.C. I spent a week with 98 other girls from across America participating in a mock senate, exploring our Capital, and talking with Vermont Senators. My week concluded with a meeting with President Obama. Spending time with such a diverse group of girls who possess a wide array of political views has made me realize how powerful the voice of youth could be in politics.
Other activities of mine include: President of the SBHS chapter of Future Educators of America, President of National Honor Society, mentoring 9th graders through a program called SLAM (Student Leadership Advisory Meeting), and co-captaining the girls’ varsity tennis team. Outside of school, I have enjoyed studying classical piano since age 4, and traveling to China in 2014 through the Governor’s Institute on Asian Cultures.
This fall, I will be attending Rice University in Houston, Texas.
A few weeks ago, with a lot of support from family, friends and teachers, I campaigned to become a Vermont delegate to the Democratic National Convention this July. I made flyers and met as many people as I could, and was ecstatic (and a bit surprised!) to win the election.
Now, I have the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia this summer with other pledged delegates to represent Bernie Sanders and Vermont youth at the convention. This will no doubt be a life changing experience and, as one of the youngest Vermont delegates ever, an amazing way to represent a typically underrepresented demographic in politics.
Unfortunately, the Convention is not all expenses paid, and as someone heading to college this fall, I cannot afford the cost of travel and lodging for the Convention. I do have a job, and will be working hard to earn money both for college and for the Convention, but I am humbly asking for your assistance in granting me this incredible opportunity.
I would love to be able to represent youth in politics this summer in Philadelphia, and would be so grateful for any support.
A bit more about me:
Last summer, I had two amazing opportunities that sparked my interest in politics. Through my high school, I was selected to attend the American Legion Auxiliary-sponsored Girls State program at Vermont Technical College. I then had the honor of being chosen 1 of 2 Vermont “Senators” to attend Girls Nation in Washington, D.C.
In D.C. I spent a week with 98 other girls from across America participating in a mock senate, exploring our Capital, and talking with Vermont Senators. My week concluded with a meeting with President Obama. Spending time with such a diverse group of girls who possess a wide array of political views has made me realize how powerful the voice of youth could be in politics.
Other activities of mine include: President of the SBHS chapter of Future Educators of America, President of National Honor Society, mentoring 9th graders through a program called SLAM (Student Leadership Advisory Meeting), and co-captaining the girls’ varsity tennis team. Outside of school, I have enjoyed studying classical piano since age 4, and traveling to China in 2014 through the Governor’s Institute on Asian Cultures.
This fall, I will be attending Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Organizer
Aster O'Leary
Organizer
South Burlington, VT