Governor Shumlin visits Korea International School

By Sarah Se-Jung Oh

Sarah Se-jung Oh

With the end of Seoul Model United Nations (SEOMUN) a few weeks ago, Korea International School (KIS) had the opportunity to talk with the 81st governor of Vermont, Peter Shumlin. Inspiring students to continue pursuing such daring acts as discussing and solving today’s issues, Governor Shumlin came to KIS to share his perspective on politics and empower the young.

Shumlin served as the governor of Vermont for three terms and helped make many improvements there, including healthcare reforms and lowering the unemployment rates. In fact, Vermont became the first state to not only shift to a single-payer health care system but also lower its unemployment rate.

Sharing his accomplishments in improving Vermont and answering some insightful questions from the students, Governor Shumlin shed light on the workings of politics. With the rise of misconduct and corruption in politics today, Shumlin first explained how the core of the problem in America is that “politics is becoming a career, a way to make a living.” Rather than viewing it as a means to give back to the society, some politicians and leaders look at elective office as a way to make money. This in turn contributes to the widespread issues today in politics.

Furthermore, he outlined some of the misguided views and actions leaders have taken.

“What I found so disturbing from the presidential leadership which really matters is that this is the first time I can remember when leaders chose groups over other groups for political gain. Picking people against each other based on sexual orientation, race, gender, religion ― this is un-American,” he explained.

Another profound and controversial subject that he touched upon was refugees, a topic that KIS students are widely interested in. Shumlin expressed great concern and fear at how we are dealing with the crisis at hand.

“I was horrified at how we were equating people who were escaping war, rape and terror with terrorists.”

He beseeched the students to shift their perspectives on the issues as he expressed how the refugees are the ones who become the leaders of the country who work hard to serve back.

At the crux of his talk, Governor Shumlin inspired the students with what true leadership is and what it means for the young.

In policy-decision making, as Shumlin asserted, we need to realize that you “shouldn’t compromise what you believe in. Rather, we should tell people why you believe it, and why it will make a difference for them.” Compromising, on the other hand, is necessary for us if we want to get work done, especially as one has a greater responsibility.

In a competitive society with academic pressures, Governor Shumlin left us with a lasting note that urged us to reflect upon what truly is important.

As he explained, we often believe that studying hard, getting top scores, and attending prestigious universities are the only ways for us to achieve happiness. Consequently, we tend to focus on working hard for our grades and college. However, Governor Shumlin urged the students to shift their perspective and recognize that we as the young have the responsibility to make an impact.

“ You actually are born into a generation where you can do all of those things and you’re still out of luck because if you don’t have air to breathe, and water you can drink, and forest fires that don’t gobble you up, and floods that don’t take you out ― it’s tough,” he maintained.

Such powerful words of Governor Shumlin aided us in understanding why it is imperative for us to discuss global issues and propose our ideas and solutions: we will and are the trailblazers of this society.

The young delegates who fiercely represent their own countries, the debaters who argue on public policy, and the speakers who express their thoughts on current issues all help us hone and cultivate the necessary skills and experience for leadership. Governor Shumlin’s potent message to KIS delegates, debaters, speakers and students will continue to pave the way for the future.

As one student remarked, “Governor Shumlin's talk from last week was less of a motivational lecture but more of an alerting reminder. A reminder of what lies ahead for our generation: chaos...It's safe to say that every single individual in that room felt the same urgency I felt that day. Thanks to Governor Shumlin, we are now informed of what we have done, what we must do and what we will have to do.”

The writer is an 11th grade student at KIS.

ssjoh19@student.kis.or.kr