My lifelong dream was to work in politics. During the past two decades I have worked on a dozen political campaigns, been an intern for a U.S. senator, served as a staffer for a Pennsylvania lieutenant governor and spent several years as an aide to a Virginia legislator. I now teach government and politics at the college level in Mississippi.

Bessie Alberts was one of the main reasons why I pursued this career, and I was absolutely devastated by the news of her passing last month.

Bess, a Democratic committeewoman in North Huntingdon, believed that the future of our country rested firmly in the hands of young people. When I was in junior high and high school, she encouraged me to get involved in politics, work for the candidates I believed in, and eventually run for office. Although I haven’t been a candidate for office, I have the amazing opportunity to impart the lessons that Bess would have wanted me to share with the statesmen and stateswomen of the future. Politics is a noble calling, and running for office is essential to the upkeep of our democracy.

Bess Alberts was a reflection of the best that we could hope to be in American politics and civic life. I will do everything possible in my lifetime to make her hopes and dreams a reality. She will never be forgotten.

Nathan R. Shrader

Jackson, Miss.

The writer is a North Huntingdon native and 1999 Norwin High School graduate.

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