I have always said that I did not care about politics, which may seem strange to the judges of this scholarship competition. However, part of the reason for my indifference to all-that-is-government was based on my belief that even though it did affect me, I could have no effect on it. I could see the problems of society so clear, I felt from my point of view that I knew what was important and worth changing, but it did not matter because from where I stood, who would hear me? I could see things on a personal level. I realized as I walked through the halls of my high school and listened to my tired and overworked teachers that something needed to change. I did not understand much about global warming, I am not a scientist, but I knew that I did not like all the smog over my beloved hometown, dirty water or high gas prices. I saw immigrants working around my town and alongside me and hoped that while politicians screamed, shouted and pulled hair over these individual’s futures, that the most fair and promising solution would be reached on their behalf. I saw people in destitution that needed a helping hand, but understood the time old saying of providing a fish versus a fishing lesson. What this all leads to is what all things generally lead to, a conclusion. Therefore, when I was considering applying for this scholarship, I realized that while I had complained about and stayed away from politics, avoided hairy conversations and final decisions, politics really was and always had been a huge part of my life. It’s true that I am only one person, but my biology class last semester taught me a profound and radically simple idea: I am made up of the same stuff that Einstein, Mother Teresa and Stalin were made out of. We are all capable of great and terrible things; all we have to do is set our mind to it. Therefore, with this in mind and the election date steadily progressing I have set my heart at finding the candidate that I believe is the best option for the United States presidency, because frankly I can have an effect, my vote does matter.
Throughout this election campaign I have been drawn to Senator Obama. I have never strongly affiliated myself with any party, however I have generally assumed myself a republican. They had some good ideas and those around me felt strongly about the party so when asked, I stated my views as republican. I have yet to understand the importance of political parties, and I state this merely to make it clear that my decision did not rest on the political platform of an individual candidate’s party. The fact that Obama was a democrat did not rule him out of my consideration because my facebook page stated I was otherwise. I feel that Senator Obama is a just man. Regardless of party, agenda or affiliation, the President of the United States needs to be above all, just. Candidates seem to always play dirty and attack on all fronts; I do not think that anyone is an exception to this rule. I do believe that the competition between candidates allows for a lot of truth to be exposed and issues laid bare. It has been made clear to me, however, that whenever the other candidates have attacked Senator Obama, the arrows seem lame, ill fired and easily explained. Some have said that this is because he does not have much of a background to soil. At least he is clean. All the experience in the world cannot make up for a lack of honesty, justice and good morals. Obama, I believe, has both. He has worked on an individual and national basis with people from all walks of life. I am not running for office myself, and I know that no candidate will represent my view to a tee, so I have chosen the person that I believe will do the best for society as a whole. Of all of Barack Obama’s attributes, his most important one is his belief in the ability he has to make a change. His slogan may seem cheesy and naïve, but those who believe they can make a change and are brave enough to pursue it are the one’s who better society. Obama’s plans for unity, change and justice make him, I believe, the best presidential candidate for 2008.

Written By Jennalyn Welsh

EXCERPT from a letter written to Kingdom Property Management by Jennalyn Welsh

Fred and Deborah Phillips of Kingdom Property Management, 
I received your letter at the end of September and just would like to thank you again for providing this scholarship opportunity and for selecting my essay for this years Phillips Diamond Enrichment Award. I would be more than happy to provide a letter of gratitude and  a picture, it is the very least I can do for your kind and generous act.... Thank you again and never enough, Jennalyn Welsh