Opinion
An American University student in Denver
08/28/08 2:04 PM EDT
Quin HillyerSam Hagedorn's new classmates are experiencing their very first week of their freshman year at American University. But Hagedorn is missing out on the initiation. At age 18, the Rochester, MN native is a Democratic convention delegate -- and having the time of his life mingling with Democratic Party stars who have long been his heroes. Hagedorn had to navigate four levels of elections -- precinct, county, congressional district, and state -- to earn his delegate spot.
"It's a progressive slate," he told the Examiner. "They believe that all voices should be heard."
Hagedorn first got involved in politics by volunteering at age 16 for the U.S. House campaign of Tim Walz, who won the race and now serves in Congress. He said his political work is well worth missing the first week of school. "The opportunities to learn here at the convention are unmatched anywhere else in the world," he said.
Amazingly, Hagedorn isn't even the youngest member of the Minnesota delgation. That honor belongs to a young man named David Gilbert-Pederson -- but at least 17-year-old Pederson isn't missing any classes to be here.
