Go to the summit

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Apr 28, 2007 | by Jaime Richards

THERE'S no such thing as senioritis.

The American Psychiatric Association doesn't consider it a real illness. Nor does any other reputable medical organization.

Nope, senioritis is just another one of those stupid, spoiled American habits that cause the rest of the world to shake their heads in bewilderment.

Ross Perot once said, "Something in human nature causes us to start slacking off at our moment of greatest accomplishment. As you become successful, you will need a great deal of self-discipline not to lose your sense of balance, humility and commitment."

I never thought I'd be quoting Ross Perot. But doesn't it sound like he was talking to high school seniors? Why do we let them get away with it? Why do they let themselves get away with it?

Hey seniors! The world is a mess. Stop resting. You're 18, for cryin' out loud. There's too much to do to rest. Don't spend the rest of your last free year of school relaxing and partying. Spend it learning how to make the world better.

The College Board says the cure for complacency is real and meaningful activity. Your days of doing things "for the grade" are gone, thank God. So start doing things because they're a good use of your time.

I know the perfect event to revitalize any complacent student.

From 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 5 at Cal State East Bay, state Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Newark, is hosting a summit titled "Leading the Change: The 2007 Summit on Student Civic Engagement."

The target demographic? High school and college students.

Local student organizations and nonprofits will have informational booths. The featured speaker in the morning will be Arturo Gonzalez, recognized by magazines as one of the top lawyers in California.

He will talk about his background and his work as an attorney. He'll also discuss the importance of community empowerment and involvement.

The first session will feature a panel discussion and Q&A with local elected officials. There will be an open mic session at the end, allowing students to ask questions or voice their concerns or perspectives on issues they face.

During lunch (breakfast and lunch are free), there will be a disc jockey and voter registration.

Following lunch, students can choose from several sessions regarding student empowerment, including:

-Lobbying: How to effectively communicate with decision-makers.

-Women in politics: How to get involved on boards and commissions.

-MySpace, YouTube and beyond: The next generation of activism.

-Making change through policy: Understanding the legislative process.

-Students as agents of change: Grass-roots activism on the campus and in the community.

Additionally, in conjunction with the summit, Torrico is holding a "There Oughta Be a Law" competition through June 29 for all students residing in our 20th Assembly District.

Any student can fill out a brief questionnaire proposing a new law and Torrico and his staff will review the proposals and select the best proposal toformally introduce to the Assembly next year.

Prior to closing remarks from Torrico, former state superintendent of public education Delaine Eastin will give a keynote address.

There will be opportunities to win several prizes, including iPods.

But don't go for the iPod. Don't go for the free food. Go for the chance to do something real, meaningful, inspirational and possibly life-changing.

Jaime Richards teaches in Fremont. Contact him at jrichards2517@hotmail.com or v isit his Web site: http://www.what- it-takes.com.