Political ideologies at UTSA differ drastically among students. Each person has idea about what change needs to occur, and how it can be brought about. Herein lies an explanation of what some UTSA students are doing to get involved with politics and support the issues they care about.

Daniel Khalil, a junior political science and anthropology major, said he gets involved in politics by “getting involved with local chapters, county chapters, and precinct chapters [Interest groups, political parties, etc.].”

“Education is one of the issues that matter to me at the moment,” Khalil said. “Our educational system is facing one of the biggest crises it has in a long time. I don’t think our educational system has been able to provide for low-to-middle-income kids as well as it used to.

“Last semester, Young Democrats collected signatures to try and keep the education budget from being cut.”

Khalil is getting involved as president of the Young Democrats of UTSA and as a member of the political committee of GLBTQ of UTSA.

“The Young Democrats try to protect education and advance youth rights through discussions and demonstrations relating to current events,” Khalil explained.

“I’m a senator for COEHD in Student Government Association, and I attend SGA meetings as well as SGA-sponsored events,” Ladene Nelson, a senior health major, said. “I’m currently participating in UTSA Listens, on behalf of SGA.

“I would like to see changes on campus, such as having a bike lane and bringing back the microwaves to student eating areas.” Nelson is participating in SGA committees to bring about change regarding the aforementioned changes.

Nicholas Schaedel, a freshman communication major, said he gets involved with politics by “attending events that generally have political motivation. Recently, the Young Democrats attended the Bexar County Democratic Party Fundraising Dinner last Friday. It was full of politicians from the local area. A lot of politicians are very social; it’s very give-and-take.

“A great way to get really involved is to join your university’s political groups. It’s really helpful if the group is really active because it is more likely that you will get to go to the events. Just getting in contact with politicians will help.”

Schaedel is involved with UTSA’s Student Government Association.

“I’m a freshman senator and a P.R. official for the Business Affairs Committee. We work mainly with Aramark and ADA-accessibility,” Schaedel said. “Right now we’re working with Aramark about food options on campus. A lot of the restaurants on campus don’t take coupons.”

Another politically active student is Mohammad Aziz, a junior political science major.

“I’m trying to create a group called Student Liberation Agenda at UTSA, which is for Palestine,” Aziz said. “My politics revolve around Palestine. If I can change one thing it would be to open the American people’s eyes to see the truth about Islam and the Middle East.”

Aziz says that he does not identify with a political party, but used to identify as a Democrat before that party supported a vote against Palestine becoming a state. Aziz said he will bring about change when election time comes.

“I will definitely vote for Ron Paul, since he believes that America should support itself before supporting Israel with billions of dollars,” Aziz said.

Students interested in getting a jumpstart in political involvement with student organizations, including College Republicans and Young Americans for Liberty at UTSA. If you don’t identify with any specific political student organization, you and some friends can start your own group through UTSA’s Office of Student Activities