Schiff visits Burbank High students
Not only did students learn about Rep. Adam Schiff’s (D-Burbank) day-to-day experience as a congressman, they posed for pictures with him individually and many squeezed into one group “selfie” during his visit to Burbank High School on Friday.
The congressman, who represents more than 700,000 people residing in neighborhoods from La Cañada Flintridge to West Hollywood, was invited to speak to students who are studying government with Burbank High teacher Christina Fahad.
“This is what you call a concerned congressman,” Fahad said as she introduced Schiff to the students, many of whom wrote letters to Schiff ahead of his visit to ask about current affairs.
PHOTOS: Rep. Adam Schiff visits Burbank students
With their high school graduation approaching and college only months away for many of the seniors in attendance, Schiff advised them to explore as much as possible in their academic pursuits, and pushed them to go outside their comfort zones.
“This is your last opportunity to be a great generalist,” he said, adding that while he was in law school, a music class became one of his all-time favorite courses. “Take some risks.”
Schiff, who recently said he would decide by the end of May if he will pursue a Senate run for Barbara Boxer’s seat, also spoke about the highs and lows of his political career.
The upside: He enjoys making a difference in people’s lives, whether they’re seeking assistance in helping family members move to the United States, adopting children or receiving health benefits.
The downside: He spends a large chunk of his time away from his family, he’d rather do without wearing a suit and tie or raising campaign money.
Although he said he deeply regrets how negative politics has become in the United States, he encouraged the students to get involved anyway.
“It’s still an opportunity to make a difference,” he said.
Senior Arman Vardumyan was one of several students who posed for a photo with Schiff at the end of the discussion.
“I follow politics,” Vardumyan said. “I actually watch the news a lot and I watch different shows on YouTube about politics… and I feel like it’s cool getting a direct answer from a congressman. You hear a lot of rumors and stuff like that on TV about what’s going on in Congress and it’s behind closed doors a lot… it’s really cool being that close with that person that changes so much in their country and has so much influence.”
Source: Burbank Leader