SPRINGDALE -- Teenagers need to understand issues facing Congress today, 3rd District U.S. Rep. Steve Womack said after meeting 15 eighth-graders from the School of Innovation, housed at the Jones Center.
"It's not just their parents' problems," Womack said.
Students from the school wrote and asked Womack to visit because they have an interest in careers in political science, Principal Joe Rollins said. Wednesday afternoons at the school are Real World Wednesdays, a time set aside for students to learn about career fields from professionals.
Womack's visit coincided with his 58th birthday. He taught the students U.S. House Speaker John Boehner's shortened version of the "Happy Birthday" song.
The School of Innovation is part of the Springdale School District and opened this year with 200 eighth-graders. The school will continue to add classes until it becomes a campus for eighth- through 12th-graders.
Jesse Bearden, 14, wore a white button-up shirt and a red bow tie for the occasion and gained some insight into what it would be like to be a congressman.
"It's a lot of responsibility," he said. "There are people out there who could disagree with you."
Discussions with Womack helped Yulissa Rivera, 14, though she said she realizes many political issues aren't easy to solve. She likes the idea of a career in politics and government.
"It's a good job to change the world and make a difference," she said.
Womack asked students about issues that worry them. The students listed immigration, Internet security and the Islamic State as some of their concerns.
On immigration, Womack said he sympathizes with foreigners who want to come to the United States, but leaving the borders open to the hundreds of millions of people experiencing poverty and hunger would overwhelm the country. He also has concerns about the drug trade, terrorism and human trafficking at the border.
Womack said he thinks it's important to secure the border first and then have a national discussion about what to do about immigration issues that have been ongoing for decades.
Womack told students about visiting the National Security Administration and people working there who help to protect computer networks against attacks that occur daily.
The Middle East terrorist organization known as ISIS keeps Womack "up at night," he said. One of his responsibilities in Congress is serving on a House Appropriations subcommittee on defense. He thinks the U.S. response to ISIS will require a military response. He also worries about the organization's efforts to recruit young Americans.
Womack told students to work toward four goals he thought would help them grow to be successful adults: pursuing an education, making good choices, staying healthy and developing a spirit of charity.
Womack encouraged students to work so hard their teachers have to work even harder to keep up with them. That level of determination and grit will follow them through college and their careers, Womack said.
A spirit of charity will help the students remember not to take the freedoms and educational opportunities they have as Americans for granted, he said.
"I want you to have this desire in your heart to give something back in appreciation for what your community, your state, your nation has done for you," Womack said.
NW News on 02/19/2015