Alexander Pavlicin prepares for Washington Week
February 17, 2017
Finding one’s true passion in life can be very challenging, especially for students. With homework, extracurricular activities, and clubs/sports, students often have a hard time doing what interests them. One exception for this is senior Alexander Pavlicin. Pavlicin has a multitude of interests, one being how the current and future leaders of the world can create change. In order to learn more about this Pavlicin has been chosen to attend the United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week, a week full of listening and talking with students just like him from all over the nation, discussing the government and it’s role in everyone’s lives.
A busy childhood
As a child, Pavlicin was involved in his community in many different ways. He attended caucuses as soon as he could, starting at age 5. He was also in Cub Scouts, and was impacted by the political leaders around him, such as his baseball and basketball coach who was a city counsilman, as well as his uncle, a city counsilman in New York.
Pavlicin said, “From building Pinewood Derby cars in Cub Scouts to coding a video game for the blind, I have always had a love for creating. I also enjoy engaging in conversation with people of diverse perspectives and debating the merits of various solutions to challenges. Through many different experiences, from traveling abroad to mission trips, from volunteering at a homeless shelter to assisting children with special needs, from supporting military families to leading environmental initiatives and serving in local and state civic leadership roles, I have created new avenues for combining my interests in a meaningful way.”
A busy future
Pavlicin has devoted his early life to helping others and plans to continue to create change for the rest of his life. Due to his multiple interests in many fields, Pavlicin plans to combine his passions as a future job.
Pavlicin said, “I want to pursue a dual degree in engineering and international relations. I want to use that education to make a practical difference around the world. I am researching the idea of a vaccine-style cure for abnormal cell growth diseases like cancer, since my dad passed away of colon cancer in 2003. I have enjoyed my civic leadership roles in my local community and plan to run for national political office. And I have many ideas for ways to use emerging technology to improve quality of life in the future. “
Washington Week
To prepare for his future, Pavlicin is involved with multiple organizations and tries to learn as much as he can everyday. One of his experiences to grow and learn will be in March, in Washington, DC. Pavlcin has been chosen to attend “Washington Week” as one of two Minnesota delegates. He will be immersed in discussions with kids from all over the country and will meet with some of the current leaders of the United States.
Pavlicin said, “I am most looking forward to spending time with the other 103 delegates from around the country. It will be interesting to hear more about their passions, vision and what they are involved in. Some have created groups, similar to the Youth For Sustainable Solutions group I cofounded here at SAHS. Others have been involved in directing political campaigns and leading student business associations. It will also be really cool to meet several of our nation’s political leaders and see the challenges they address on a regular basis.”
Involvement is not a new concept to Pavlicin. Even as a young boy he has been interested in the government. Being in Washington will help him gain a new perspective on how other kids his age think from all over the nation.
Pavlicin added, “I am honored to be a delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week that will take place from March 4-11. Being a delegate will allow me to gain a greater understanding of American government and its role in our daily lives, develop connections with the world’s current and future leaders, and represent my family, community, and state in Washington, DC. I am most looking forward to the opportunity to be around other incredible youth and adult leaders with diverse perspectives and ideas.”
At the program in Washington, the students will get to know each other, learn lots, and gain new perspectives on issues they care most about.
Pavlicin said, “I plan to do a lot of listening – they have been dealing with a broad range of issues and I’m sure I will gain perspective no matter what topics we discuss. In terms of my own passions, I have a heart for the environment and sustainability, as well as programs that support our most vulnerable citizens. I’m sure the overall experience of participating in discussions with our nation’s leaders will give me a first-hand look at the breadth of issues our leaders confront on a regular basis. I think engaging in meaningful conversations with the other delegates – people my age, future leaders – will greatly impact my views as well.”
Pavlicin said, “I hope to use the perspectives I gain, during Washington Week and after, to run for national public office one day.”