Spring Break
CSU meets the DNC
Student delegate represents youth at DNC
Erik Myers
Issue date: 8/26/08 Section: News
"It's hard to know about every single issue that's going on when you're also trying to manage being a college student and working," Hixson said. "I'm going to be mingling with people that are out of my league, basically. They're all older, more experienced."
Getting to this point can be traced back to family gatherings where her political interest was first stirred by her aunt, Jillane Hixson, the vice chairman of Prowers County Democrats and the woman whom she credits as the most significant political influence in her life.
"I would just be talking about it around the dinner table and Erica really picked up on it," Jillane said. "I'm so proud of her and just so happy that she's had this opportunity … I know someday she'll be telling her grandchildren about it."
Hixson's story began in her hometown of Thornton, Colo., where she attended her first caucus in February.
"You're kind of put into little groups based on your location, and then they send a few delegates from the whole precinct to go to (the county convention)," Hixson said.
Hixson was elected by the members of her group to attend the Adams County Democratic Convention.
At the event, which she attended in March, a speech from Colorado Democratic Party chair Pat Waak served as inspiration for Hixson to continue her convention experience. Hixson applied for state delegation and was selected by county officials to attend the Colorado Democratic State Convention. She said she believes party officials sought out variety in the selection process, which could be why she, one of the few college-aged individuals in attendance, was picked.
This time around, Hixson stepped into the halls of the Colorado Springs World Arena in May with a single goal: securing a spot as a national delegate. But having had a week between the convention and finals week, Hixson said she had little time to prepare her campaign.
While party heads delivered speeches, Hixson cruised through the throngs with Mardi Gras beads - the letters of her name printed on individual beads - and flyers stamped with her portrait.
Getting to this point can be traced back to family gatherings where her political interest was first stirred by her aunt, Jillane Hixson, the vice chairman of Prowers County Democrats and the woman whom she credits as the most significant political influence in her life.
"I would just be talking about it around the dinner table and Erica really picked up on it," Jillane said. "I'm so proud of her and just so happy that she's had this opportunity … I know someday she'll be telling her grandchildren about it."
Hixson's story began in her hometown of Thornton, Colo., where she attended her first caucus in February.
"You're kind of put into little groups based on your location, and then they send a few delegates from the whole precinct to go to (the county convention)," Hixson said.
Hixson was elected by the members of her group to attend the Adams County Democratic Convention.
At the event, which she attended in March, a speech from Colorado Democratic Party chair Pat Waak served as inspiration for Hixson to continue her convention experience. Hixson applied for state delegation and was selected by county officials to attend the Colorado Democratic State Convention. She said she believes party officials sought out variety in the selection process, which could be why she, one of the few college-aged individuals in attendance, was picked.
This time around, Hixson stepped into the halls of the Colorado Springs World Arena in May with a single goal: securing a spot as a national delegate. But having had a week between the convention and finals week, Hixson said she had little time to prepare her campaign.
While party heads delivered speeches, Hixson cruised through the throngs with Mardi Gras beads - the letters of her name printed on individual beads - and flyers stamped with her portrait.
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