With the mention of student advocacy in local government, Jenna discloses that she has Senator Susan Collins (of Maine) programmed in her phone and calls her on a regular basis. Sam, too, recalls calling the Senator’s office in Biddeford and recounting concerns expressed by her and fellow classmates. In discussing their disquietude for the possible direction of local politics in Maine, Jenna and Sam resolved to organize a rally in front of Senator Collin’s office the very next day. They imagined their fellow students dressed in their White Coats, showing solidarity in their concerns for healthcare and human rights in Maine. In less than 24 hours, through social media and word of mouth, they spread the word to hold the demonstration at noon on Saturday, September 29th.
On the day of the rally, traffic in Biddeford slowed down to see what all the commotion was about. The mass of 50 or so students in white coats assembled in front of Senator Collin’s office was a sight to behold. The demonstration reflected not only the tenacious spirit of these students, but their profound desire to instill change by engaging with politics on both a local and national level.
CONTINUED...
Second-year COM students, Samantha Culver, and Jenna Wozer tabling on behalf of SOMA to put out the vote