Politics have become a taboo topic where people either avoid it at all costs or jump in head first. In a political landscape full of rich, out of touch baby boomers, sophomore Houston Hunt brings fresh new perspectives on issues like healthcare and current campaigns.

“I got into politics around 2020, during the election season,” Houston said. “Quarantine made me get into politics since I didn’t have anything else to do. Now I’ve come to enjoy it and I even volunteer for campaigns sometimes, block walking and knocking on doors.”

AP World History teacher Harry Francis admires Houston’s intuitive nature and dedication to politics.

“Houston is a very quiet person,” Francis said. “Yet at the same time, he is very strong in his beliefs and writes very well about his opinions on the government. He makes intelligent comments periodically about the state of the union, whether it’s recent attacks in the world or things we talk about in AP World History.”

Sophomore Isabel Roueche has known Houston for two years, and attributes a lot of her personal political growth to him.

“Houston is really interested in politics,” Isabel said. “He has a lot to say about different issues. He’s a generally really good person. Iknow more about politics than I did before meeting him, and I’m more able to form opinions on political situations. His passion has inspired me to learn more.”

Houston is most interested in campaign strategy, and admires more left-leaning political figures like Bernie Sanders.

“At this point, I wish people would talk more about healthcare as I am in favor of a healthcare for all system,” Houston said. “I think Bernie Sanders brought it up a lot during 2020 and 2016 but it’s been more forgotten now. He said he would bring up a public healthcare option, but it still hasn’t happened.”

Government teacher David Wilson supports Houston in his political ventures and encourages other students to get involved.

“I like students getting involved in politics,” Wilson said. “We’re a democracy. Being involved in politics at a young age sets you up for a lifetime of involvement.”

Houston believes that caring about politics is especially important for the current generation.

“Politics affect teenagers a lot,” Houston said. “Issues of education affect us a lot because we are developing the most right now and the changing curriculums and the banning of certain things will affect future generations and how we view things.”

Wilson agrees with Houston’s sentiment and pushes teenagers to do their own research.

“As a teenager, you should ask your parents about their views,” Wilson said. “Figure out what they feel strongly about and then do research and form your own opinions. Start looking online and start joining online organizations. You can give money and write letters to politicians. I think the easiest way is to form online connections.”

Houston’s plan after he graduates high school is to pursue a degree in political science and intern at political offices.

“I think block walking, making phone calls for campaigns, you can do that at any age,” Houston said. “If you’re older, like junior or senior, some local offices hire interns at that age.”

Francis hopes that Houston’s passion will inspire other teenagers to follow suit and research history in order to form opinions on current issues.

“I encourage my students to really look at the world and see what’s going on,” Francis said. “The reason we teach AP World History is to study the past so that we can know the present and impact and the future, and without knowledge we cannot see where people’s point of view comes from. Once we know that, we can hopefully relate to each other better. It is everyone’s duty to vote, to get involved as we grow through this educational system, because it will impact the next decade of your life.”