I don’t know how kosher it is for an alumnus to write a letter of support for a current student senate president candidate, but whatever. I’m going to give it a whirl.
I first met Jared Henderson some years ago when he first came to interview with the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University. I recall a bright, young man, keen and eager to not only make new friends, but to make real, lasting friendships.
We’ve been friends ever since, and there are many others in town who can call Jared a trusted friend. That is because he is immediate, sincere and brilliantly honest. That latter quality is a gift that few can enjoy with even their trusted friends.
Were Jared to be elected president of Student Senate, however, this gift of honesty would be for the entire campus to share. It is an honesty that goes deeper than conversation among friends; it is a powerful intellectual honesty, the hallmark of an individual who is not merely a good listener but also a good teacher, a careful student of ideas.
Jared’s a philosopher, after all, and while that doesn’t always mean much to most people, it means something to those who would value the truth. At a time when students are sadly accustomed to distraction, banality and abject flattery from their elected leaders, this dedication to honesty would probably mean a good deal.
In fact, it would mean the difference between a Student Senate that is little more than a clique for future politicians and a Student Senate that actually represents the cares, interests and needs of the student body. In an era of rising tuition, decreased state funding for higher education and muddled academic priorities, this university definitely needs the latter senate, and we need it now.
So if you want a Student Senate president who will address your concerns, engage with you, listen attentively and do something about it, then go vote for Jared Henderson. That’s all there is to it.
Take it from me: I’ve graduated and have no reason to bend the truth here. I’m speaking from experience of the man. We have no careerist on our hands here; we have a man with a desire to fix problems facing this student body and the integrity and intellect to do it. This is the honest choice to make.
And spread the word, folks: This kind of campaign shouldn’t rely on pumping passers-by with T-shirts and cupcakes. It relies on word-of-mouth, talking to friends and even finding Jared and talking to him yourself. This is probably the best option. When you do see him, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this engaging, sharp and truthful young man.
Having known him for years, I still am every time I see him. Vote Henderson.
Jesse Pyle is a 2011 Ohio University graduate.
