Former senator helps students get an 'Early Start' at ASU

Jon Kyl looked at the group of incoming ASU freshmen and asked if they were optimistic about the country's future.

By a show of hands, they answered, "Yes."

While Kyl, the former U.S. senator from Arizona, praised their hopefulness and confidence, he also warned that future generations would have to buckle up and make the tough decisions that have been sloughed off for decades by leaders in order to restore America to its former glory.

Entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare, the nation’s surging national debt and America’s shrinking military are among the chief concerns Kyl has, and he implored students to address the problems swirling around these issues as they contemplate a future in politics.

“Our country is in danger of inheriting other generations’ failure to confront debt problems and have been deferring it for a long time,” Kyl said. “You have the opportunity to do something about it.”

Kyl met with the approximately 25 political-science majors on Aug. 7 as part of the Early Start program in ASU’s School of Politics and Global Studies. The two-week program commenced last week and helps incoming freshman learn new strategies for succeeding in college by connecting them with faculty, academic mentors, resources and new classmates. They also participate in a variety of workshops as well as social and academic activities.

“Early Start is designed to provide students the necessary tools for work at the university level and give them an idea of what kind of work and research they’ll encounter as a poli-science major,” said Richard Herrera, an associate professor in the School of Politics and Global Studies.

“It’s also an opportunity for them to meet someone like Sen. Kyl, who has advised presidents, worked on key legislation and has voted on members of the Supreme Court. We talk a lot about policymaking, but it’s also good they meet the person who actually does it. This is a moment they’ll remember.”

While Kyl covered a variety of topics ranging from the previous night’s Republican debate to the recent Iran nuclear deal, he said he wanted to also hear from students. They asked questions and shared their concerns regarding Arizona’s recent education budget cuts by the state Legislature. Kyl said the $99 million cuts were necessary for reform but believes a state-land-trust investments plan proposed by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey will bolster public education's future.

“Arizona does not have a very big tax base, and this plan will create a comfort level for the state and cities to generate income,” Kyl said. “I think it’s a very good plan.”

He also encouraged students to dedicate themselves to their academic careers.

"Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better you will do," Kyl said. "In my career, I took the time to know more and better prepare than the next person and it has served me well."

Freshman Corrina Williams, a recent graduate of Willow Canyon High School in Surprise, Arizona, said Kyl’s visit made a big impression on her.

“I love how straightforward he was and how he spoke from the heart,” Williams said. “He spoke with great knowledge, not as a politician hiding behind an agenda.”

Eighteen-year-old Cameron Canete, who was also in attendance, said he enrolled in Early Start because it’s a good opportunity to learn the university system and get a jump on the semester.

“I take opportunities whenever I can,” Canete said. “The opportunities you leave behind are often the ones you miss.”