Student Advisory Board: Meet KC

Name: KC Crusoe
‍Hometown: Wetumpka, AL
‍School: University of South Alabama
‍Major: Political Science
‍Year: Junior

If you could be a character in any TV show or movie, who would you be and why?
Gregory from Abbott Elementary, I feel like we are one in the same with our bluntness and niche interests.

What led you to take part in civil discourse initiatives?
‍My dissatisfaction with the increasing polarization in our national politics. Walking around campus, I noticed how hesitant people were to engage in conversations about important issues, and it pushed me to explore why that was. Most of the time, it boiled down to people feeling uncomfortable sharing their thoughts, fearing judgment or believing their opinions were too extreme to find common ground.

Who is someone you look up to?
‍One of my political role models is U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, not only for his service as a senator but also for his role as a pastor.

Do you have a story of a time they were able to connect with someone across differences?
‍In his time in the Senate, Senator Warnock has consistently worked across the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation. A notable example is his work on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, where he collaborated with both Democrats and Republicans to secure investments in critical infrastructure, including funding for roads, bridges, and broadband expansion, which will benefit communities across the country. 

What are one or two initiatives you want to highlight at USA?
‍Within Student Government, we host dinners with elected officials, giving students the opportunity to ask state legislators and local figures questions about the issues affecting our state. One year, Senator Vivian Figures and State Representative Alan Baker sat at my table. It was interesting to see that although they are from different political parties, both were committed to securing students' educational freedom in our state.

These conversations often touch on what motivated the officials to get involved in politics and the reasons they continue to serve, focusing more on their personal journey than on specific policies. However, there are also moments when students can inquire about upcoming bills and initiatives being discussed. Overall, the event offers students valuable insights into what’s happening in the state of Alabama, our college's city of Mobile, our capital city of Montgomery, and across the county.