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When Congressman Aaron Schock graduated from Richwoods High School, he had already completed 57 college credits, purchased real estate and had an established retirement account, which he opened when he was in seventh grade.
He was also a registered voter whose first experience casting a ballot eventually lead to his write-in election to the District 150 School Board, spurring his political career.
There were only two requirements to run for school board, that he be 18 and a registered voter. Schock revealed to EPCHS students and staff Friday that as a high school junior he met those requirements because of something that happened when he was a child.
“I was a year ahead for my grade because I flunked kindergarten,” the youngest member of Congress told the crowd. “Yes, I flunked kindergarten.”
Schock also revealed that his political start was not something he planned.
By the end of his junior year at Richwoods, Schock had earned enough credits to graduate, but the district did not allow for early graduation. When he was told he could not graduate early because of this policy, he asked “Why not?” When he didn’t receive an answer that suited him, Schock decided to make a change.
During that first voting experience, he saw that there was no one running against an incumbent school board member up for reelection.
“My journey into public service was really out of a frustration for what I saw at the local level of government,” Schock said. “I didn’t know who the school board was, I didn’t know what the school board was, other than my school counselor telling me that they were the ones who made decisions and set the rules for the district.”
Schock told his audience about his first election, where he beat out District 150’s School Board President after he and a group of supporters convinced 6,406 people to write his name on the ballot.
Shock said he feels a responsibility to reach out to high school-aged students to share his story with them.
“I wouldn’t be here today if I’d waited my turn,” he said. “They need to know that they can achieve their goals and that it just takes a little direction and determination.”
During a question and answer session following his presentation, Schock revealed that he is unsure at this point as to what his ultimate goal is as a politician. In the meantime, he said, he hopes to “kick butt and take names as a congressman.”
When Congressman Aaron Schock graduated from Richwoods High School, he had already completed 57 college credits, purchased real estate and had an established retirement account, which he opened when he was in seventh grade.
He was also a registered voter whose first experience casting a ballot eventually lead to his write-in election to the District 150 School Board, spurring his political career.
There were only two requirements to run for school board, that he be 18 and a registered voter. Schock revealed to EPCHS students and staff Friday that as a high school junior he met those requirements because of something that happened when he was a child.
“I was a year ahead for my grade because I flunked kindergarten,” the youngest member of Congress told the crowd. “Yes, I flunked kindergarten.”
Schock also revealed that his political start was not something he planned.
By the end of his junior year at Richwoods, Schock had earned enough credits to graduate, but the district did not allow for early graduation. When he was told he could not graduate early because of this policy, he asked “Why not?” When he didn’t receive an answer that suited him, Schock decided to make a change.
During that first voting experience, he saw that there was no one running against an incumbent school board member up for reelection.
“My journey into public service was really out of a frustration for what I saw at the local level of government,” Schock said. “I didn’t know who the school board was, I didn’t know what the school board was, other than my school counselor telling me that they were the ones who made decisions and set the rules for the district.”
Schock told his audience about his first election, where he beat out District 150’s School Board President after he and a group of supporters convinced 6,406 people to write his name on the ballot.
Shock said he feels a responsibility to reach out to high school-aged students to share his story with them.
“I wouldn’t be here today if I’d waited my turn,” he said. “They need to know that they can achieve their goals and that it just takes a little direction and determination.”
During a question and answer session following his presentation, Schock revealed that he is unsure at this point as to what his ultimate goal is as a politician. In the meantime, he said, he hopes to “kick butt and take names as a congressman.”
He was also asked about his thoughts on Illinois’ deficit, his views on SOPA/PIPA legislation and, of course, to explain why he flunked kindergarten.
He left the students with a bit of advice and a hope for their futures.
“You’re at a point in your lives where for the most part everything is in front of you,” Schock said. “If you think strategically now about what your goals are and what it will take to get to that goal, you can win before the game even begins.”
Schock added that it is important to find a passion and pursue it.
“The only thing greater than the education you receive is the experiences you’re going to have,” he said. “If you want to be an engineer, go volunteer at Caterpillar or another firm. That experience is not only going to help you figure out if that’s the path you want to pursue, but that experience is going to be as valuable as your education when you’re trying to get a job someday.
“Get engaged, get involved with your community and give back. You all have time and you all have talents.”
