A dual passion for politics

By Chloe Dawson and Kim Manahan (Whetstone staff writers)

They own the same kind of cell phones, share the same major, and they are both sophomores. When one walks into a room, the other is almost sure to follow.

But more importantly, they hold the same belief that young people should get involved in politics.

Tanner Polce and Bryan Zarou may share a lot of likes and dislikes. But they are not average teenagers.

While most their age are watching “The Jersey Shore,” Polce, president of the Student Government Association, and Zarou, SGA vice president, pay more attention to world affairs and politics.

They find it appealing.

“They care more about what Snooki says than Obama,” said Zarou, a sophomore political science major.

He said that it is important for young people to get involved in politics.

“They find it boring with all of their bickering and it being so tedious,” Zarou said.

While they agree about a lot, both have different ideas about how students should divide their academic and social lives.

Polce, also a sophomore political science major, said he believes that 80 percent of a student’s time should go toward a social life and only 20 percent to academics.

“Are you kidding?” Zarou counters.

Zarou believes that 70 percent of a students’ time should be dedicated to academics, and the rest toward social time.

Polce finds being involved and social is more important.

“I feel like I could go further with more personality because of the relationships I have developed at Wesley College,” he said.

People should be able to express their feelings to other people in an effective way, he said. Does a student with a perfect GPA have the ability to communicate?

Zarou, on the other hand, said, “You can’t go anywhere without academics.”

Both said a student should find a balance that works to make them successful throughout their life.

Both also express interest in attending law school, but Polce hopes to go straight into politics while Zarou wants to practice law.

“I love fighting for the people,” Zarou said.

When Polce graduates in spring 2012, he is considering law school, through a double program, earning a master’s degree in divinity and ethics and studying constitutional law.

“I love the history and how it has transformed,” Polce said. “I like the practice of law or politics with an ethical spin.”

But Polce has no desire to practice law. He wants to go straight into politics.

“I love politics,” he said. “I love being the one to represent the constituency.”

It’s really hard work, said Polce, who is socially liberal and economically conservative.

Both Zarou and Polce are pro-choice and believe President Barack Obama is doing a good job.

The Student Government Association has been an outlet for both to get involved.

Polce was elected vice president last year, and has been the SGA president since the fall, with Zarou as his vice president.

The two have made significant strides.

Recently, the SGA has renovated the Malmberg gym and began working on the Streetscape Project, which will close off “thru” roads to traffic on campus.

“It’ll be a safer campus,” Polce said. “A more green environment.”

But they don’t want to take the credit, Zarou said. It’s the SGA and the student voices.

The two were introduced to each other in their American Politics class.

“Professor Greto bought us together,” Zarou said.

Zarou’s and Polce’s views would often clash in class.

“We banter back and forth,” Polce said.

Their working relationship grew from being in the Residence Hall Association together.

“We always have our friendship to fall back on,” Polce said. “No matter how many times we bump heads.”