Politics is a symbol of stability and is ever more present in today’s world. Many people experience multiple of these international atmospheres because they have lived in different countries or have ties to other places. State High itself has both foreign students and traveling youths who are impacted by political elections and events taking place far from home.
Seniors Esme Shea, Adrian Doran, and Max Doran all share interesting backstories connecting their lives to other countries, with both cultures and politics that are very different from those experienced in the US.
“I’m a US citizen because I was born here, but when I was in elementary school, I lived in both England and Norway, so I have citizenship in those countries as well. I’m also thinking about moving back to Britain for college at Edinburgh University in Scotland,” Shea said.
“Our mom is from Germany, but moved to the US for college, and we were born in California. However, we go back to Germany every summer to visit our grandparents and cousins, and we actually speak German fluently,” Adrian Doran said.
International politics can be very important for students like Shea and the Dorans, since they hope for peace and prosperity in the places they have connections. However, they are often overshadowed by events in their home country.
“Right now, I follow American politics more heavily because that influences my life more. However, if I move back to the UK for school, the Parliament will probably become a bigger part of my life,” Shea said.
“I’d say I’m biased towards American politics. I know the general atmosphere in Germany, like the election controversy happening there right now, but I am more focused on politics in the US,” Adrian said.
Perspectives of internationally traveling students at State High show how politics around the world are often very different from those that we experience in the US. For instance, many nations like England elect their leaders indirectly, while the US prefers a more democratic approach.
“I do notice how in American political systems, people’s votes really do count, and I think that that’s a positive difference here. However, I’ve also noticed that healthcare policies are different in other countries, which further influences how I view politics and government in the US,” Shea said.
“I would say that politics in Germany is definitely more open than in the US. Political views there are mainly one-sided, whereas in the US, the population is split into two political groups,” Max said.
Other nations also have many differences that reflect the positives of living in the US.
“Another difference is that the taxes are much higher in Germany than they are here. Our grandparents and cousins definitely feel a significant difference there than we do in the US,” Adrian said.
Whether in Germany, the UK, the US, or any other country, a majority of citizens believe that politics improves their countries’ well-being. But it can be hard to connect with international politics and cultures when we are already so wrapped up in our own. At State High, these countries and their traditions are on display through our massive student body. The diverse atmosphere that State High creates can help us not only appreciate places outside the US, but also use that knowledge to make the world a better place.
