College Democrats President Peter Weiss was not on campus for one of his organization’s biggest victories during his four years at GW. Instead, he spent Election Night 2008 in Columbus, Ohio as a field organizer for the Obama campaign.
“I’ve learned that life is more fun and interesting when you find meaningful activities to engage in,” Weiss said.
Taking advantage of his time in college, Weiss made a point to become actively involved in GW’s student organizations.
As president of the CDs, Weiss earned a degree in political science, but seemed to earn one in political organizing as well.
“The CDs strive to advance the entire Democratic agenda, thus I had the opportunity to explore all the issues,” Weiss said, adding the College Democrats provided him with a broad base of topics to expand his political knowledge.
While working for the Obama campaign, members of the CDs went to visit Weiss’ office in Ohio.
“I was so proud to tell my colleagues that these were my peers,” he said, describing his fellow College Democrats as “terrific individuals.”
He took over as CDs president when he returned to campus after the election. Even though he missed the initial wave of excitement, Weiss said he was still able to sense the “power of the president and his agenda.”
“I strongly believe Obama’s star power will not soon fade within our ranks,” Weiss said.
Between classes, extra activities and a social life, Weiss said surviving college was a feat in itself, but he managed to take full advantage of GW’s opportunities.
Weiss joked his involvement with the College Democrats has also provided him “with a constant and much needed source of free food” during events.
In addition to his interest in politics, Weiss has a passion for travel and spent a semester abroad in Kenya, where he lived in a tent.
“I hunted around for opportunities and I found a wildlife refuge that took me in,” Weiss said. “I wandered around the community for a bit until I settled at the local elementary school.”
Although living in the tent was difficult, Weiss called the entire experience rewarding, “life-altering and a real accomplishment.”
Since then, Weiss has been raising funds online for the African school and is seeking a career in education reform. After Commencement, he will be teaching science as part of Teach for America in Hawaii.
“TFA has always been on my radar. Through the long application process I realized how incredible the program is, how much I want to be a corps member,” Weiss said.
While all is subject to change, Weiss is currently excited to pursue education.
“I learned that you have to go after what you want in life,” he said. “[While], of course, surrounding yourself with the right people [who] can get you through anything.”
