Kendall Austin is focused on bringing the young perspective to today’s political world.
The 18-year-old incoming Lipscomb freshman recently attended the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The experience was a memorable one for Austin; athough he had attended the DNC once before, this year was his first time attending as a delegate — in fact, one of the youngest delegates at the convention.
“Hearing the speeches was so surreal,”Austin said, adding that “being able to vote on the nominees, whether it was Bernie or whether it was Hillary” was a favorite responsibility. “Being able to represent my state was such an amazing experience.”
While Austin said he didn’t meet any major speakers at the convention like President Obama or Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, he was able to meet many fellow delegates and made some great contacts.
“I made a ton of connections,” Austin said. Most people involved with politics are attorneys or people that own law firms, so I met a lot of attorneys and was able to get a bunch of cards from them. I met Congressmen; I met Chelsea Clinton; I met Jimmy Carter and his grandson, Hank Johnson — a bunch of different, great connections.”
Austin said he got involved in politics through his grandmother, who is also heavily involved in the Democratic Party in Decatur, Georgia, where Austin is from. When he first ran for delegate, Austin had to give a speech and fill out paperwork to get the position, all tasks he was happy to do to receive the opportunity to be the youngest delegate from his state.
“I’m pretty good at public speaking; I don’t mind talking in front of people and voicing my opinion, so I was pretty confident going into it. Also, having those connections from going to the meeting with my grandma really helped out.”
At the end of his speech, Austin had a standing ovation from the people.
While at the convention, he said he had the privilege to do several interviews with major news stations like MSNBC, ABC News, TIME Magazine and others. Another special task he had was being on a panel for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
“I really enjoyed giving the interviews and giving my opinion, letting them know that young people have a voice,” Austin said. “I did a funny segment/skit [on Stephen Colbert]. He saw me about to go into my interview with MSNBC, and he asked if I wanted to come do this skit for him. It was asking us questions of what we like about Donald Trump, and we’d give back these really bland, but funny, hilarious jokes . It wasn’t anything about his policy or anything good like that, but it was like, ‘Oh, he has nice teeth, or he has nice hair,’ in the most monotone, bland way.”
While Austin said he had a lot of fun at the DNC, he said his favorite part of being a delegate is being someone for those even y0unger than him to look up to as an example.
“I’d have to say the best thing is setting an example. I constantly got messages saying, ‘Oh, man, I saw you on T.V. It’s so great what your doing. People need to see more of this.’ It was really cool to know that I was setting an example for people — for young kids — to maybe be an influence to them that we can get out and do this. We are the future of our country.”
Austin said part of being an example is telling people about the importance of their vote, noting that it’s very important for Americans, especially the younger generation, to get out and vote.
“We are the future, and we have a say in who is going to be leading our country. By not voting, that’s not helping anything,” Austin firmly stated. “I understand that you maybe don’t agree on the candidates that are there, but it is important on who our next president will potentially be, so vote for someone you’d rather have to lead your country. It’s really important to get us young people out and let the older generation that doesn’t believe in us know that we do care about the future of our country.”
Austin also encouraged young people to get involved in the political world by perhaps even becoming a delegate in the future like he is, adding that he believes unity is more important than what party you choose to get connected with.
“Just go out and get involved,” Austin said. “Start going to your local meetings, whether it’s Republican Party or Democratic Party. We all are stronger together. We all have a say in what goes on in our country. Get involved in the delegate process once it comes back around again if you want to have a say in who the leader of our country will be in four years. Start going to caucuses and little events like that to get a general idea for what’s going on, listen to people and give your ideas. That’s how it can all get started, and then if you catch the bug for it, Go!”
As of now, Austin is planning on being a biology major when he comes to Lipscomb in the fall, but he still plans on staying active in politics as well.
“I definitely plan on going back to the DNC!” Austin said. “I have been seriously thinking about going into politics ever since the convention because of how well things have gone for me in the political process. I plan on studying biology right now, but I can always change that.”
Featured image is Austin giving his CBC interview at the DNC