Comstock Park — A summer civics program gave senior Christian Kihu the opportunity to explore his passion for the U.S. government and confirm his dream of pursuing political science.
Christian attended Michigan State University’s James Madison College Academy for Civic Education, a two-week program that brings together approximately 20-25 students from across Michigan to study the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, landmark Supreme Court decisions and pivotal speeches that have shaped American democracy.
Christian said he enjoyed seeing early drafts of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence and learning how ancient Greek governments influenced modern democracy. He said he also explored how young people can make a difference in government.
The program reinforced the importance of listening to others and showed him that citizens have the power to influence the government and shape the future, Christian said.
“It definitely motivated me more because I was kind of sure, but when I went there, I was definitely sure that I wanted to do government and political science as a means to change the world in the future for the better,” he said.
What is your dream? Christian said he wants to pursue a career in government because he believes it offers an opportunity to help people and make meaningful changes.
“It’s what runs the country and if you get into government, you can do great things. You can change a lot of things that would help people. … Basically, I want to help people and I figure that the government is the best way to do that. I love helping people. That’s why I volunteer. That’s why I’m on the student council.”
Why is this your dream? Christian moved to the United States from Kenya three years ago and enrolled at Comstock Park High School as a freshman. He said he quickly became fascinated by the American system of government.
“The founding of America is just so mind-boggling, how everything had to fall into place to create such a vast and powerful government. I just enjoy the whole process of seeing how a government works from the grassroots to the big things like the president and the Senate and the Supreme Court … and since America is clearly the greatest country in the world, I’m interested in the American government.”
How are school and your teachers helping you achieve your dream? Christian said Comstock Park teachers have encouraged him to become the best version of himself. He has taken government with teacher Austin Hollbrook and Advanced Placement government with teacher Brooke Veldman, both of whom helped strengthen his interest in the subject.
“They both really encouraged me and helped me because I love government. They were very good at explaining concepts and making the class interesting.”
Outside the classroom, Christian has participated in debate club, is involved in Student Volunteers and serves as a senior representative on the student council.
What are your plans after graduation? Christian is considering Michigan State University, the University of Chicago or Hope College. He plans to study political science.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Christian said he hopes to work in international relations, potentially representing the United States in Africa and helping build connections between the two regions.
“I see myself sitting in an office either in international relations such as translating or being in Africa. I’d like to represent America to Africa and share ideas from Africa, share ideas from America. (I’d like to) try to help change some situations in Africa because there’s a lot of poverty and bad government in Africa, and I’d like to also change that.”
Read more from Comstock Park:
• Gaining rework experience through work-based learning
• Students make connections through school’s recreational program
