My Big Moment

Taking part in the ICRF convention yesterday was a good experience. Unfortunately, I had a hard time trying to understand just what was going on around me. It was my first time ever going to a political convention, and I had no idea really what people were talking about. Therefore, I didn't really gain a lot of knowledge out of my experience. However, witnessing how officers get elected really lit my fire to want to do something new.
I am still shocked at what I'm getting myself into over the next year. I only made the decision to take on this endavour after attending the ICRF Convention yesterday. Seeing how a larger group of CRs of smaller delegations of different schools all across our state come together to unite as one huge group is part of what has inspired me to run for 1st or 2nd Vice-Chair of the UIS CRs.
Aakash is the main person who has inspired me to run for one of the top officer positions in our CR chapter. He had talked to me about it once, prior to us going to the convention yesterday- then he talked to me again about it while we were at the Convention. I remember that I was excited about being nominated by the one CR who has mentored me all semester long- allowing me the opportunity to have political experiences to learn how I might be able to change the world someday.
So, I'm going to do it. I thought a lot about what it might be like to be in politics- starting now. I was so excited about this chance, I wrote a speech immediately after returning to campus last night.

My name is Nico Echols, and I am a transfer freshman from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Although I’ve only been here at UIS for almost a year- and involved with the CRs for a semester, I feel as though I have been a part of this political family forever.As First or Second Vice-Chair of the UIS College Republicans, I will do whatever, I can to improve our organization and bring a political presence to our campus.I will • Work with the chairman to recruit new members, both undergrad and grad students• Develop effective methods of improving our attendance rates for meetings and events• Help plan activities that will gain the attention of other CR chapters.• Bring attention to the idea that people with disabilities can be involved in politics.• Bring various CR chapters together to create a big network of students.I feel that I am extremely qualified for this duty.I have• Been active in the College Republicans this semester• Regularly attended the meetings• Worked on election campaigns for our candidates• Brought my helpful imput to the meetings• Attended two College Republicans’ sponsored events outside of the UIS chapter.• Been active in the athletic eventsPlease Vote for me, and I will work for you. By working together, we can all make a huge difference in the future of the College Republicans here at UIS. Thank You.

By giving this speech, I hope to win the election