In the week before Super Tuesday, two MSMS alumnae returned to campus to share their experience with getting involved in politics and campaigns. In a program co-hosted by both the MSMS Young Democrats and MUW College Democrats, Emily Liner and Jessica Carter sat on a panel where they told their stories and answered questions from students and community members.

Liner, class of 2004, is the Mississippi Digital Director for for the Mike Bloomberg campaign. A graduate of Georgetown University and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, she has previously worked in Washington, D.C., as Federal Affairs Manager for Salesforce and as Senior Policy Adviser for Third Way.

Carter, Class of 2005, is Mississippi Organizing Director for Warren for President. A graduate of Cornell University and Louisiana State University, Carter has previously worked as Executive Director of Ours to Change Mississippi and as National Organizing Director of Democracy for America.

Both women shared their own stories of what exactly pushed them to take action and get involved in politics. 

“I remember that I was complaining about something, and my mom told me, ‘Don’t complain about something unless you’re gonna be part of the solution’ and that was a lightbulb,” Liner said.  “I was like, ‘Oh, I could change that!’” 

“It’s just noticing a lot of things that are wrong,” Carter said. “Especially growing up and you’re looking at what’s happening in the news, you’re seeing the news headlines everyday, and you’re seeing that things probably aren’t the best that they could be for everybody.” 

Throughout the event, students had the chance to ask questions by filling out a slip asking for their name, whether they are a student or community member, and their question. The event served as an educational experience not only for people wanting to get involved with Bloomberg or Warren but any political campaign. 

“I’m not going to attack you if you ask me how to get involved with a different campaign other than Elizabeth Warren,” said Carter, stressing the importance of getting involved in politics, no matter your alignment.

Both women expressed their hopes for the effect of events like this one on young people. 

“You can do this, you can do that. You don’t want to stifle the ideas, the thoughts, the dreams of students. You want to open their eyes to exactly what they can do,” said Carter, who explained that she believes all young people should be told that their opinion and their voice matters.

“I would just encourage students, even if you’re not gonna graduate and become a political science major, you can still get involved in your own government in different ways as you get older,” Liner added.

MSMS Young Democrats Secretary Elisabeth Seage was pleased with the turnout of the event. 

“We had a lot of people interested in the two speakers,” Seage said. “Overall, I think this speaks volumes about our student body. I believe it shows that we’re well informed and interested in the future of our country and taking action.”

Super Tuesday is scheduled for March 3, where dozens of delegates are up for grabs in the Democratic primaries, and 14 states will hold their primaries.