Senator’s page saw history firsthand
Marian Catholic senior got close look at first Trump impeachment
Politics is all about helping the community for Andres Vasquez, a senior at Marian Catholic High School, who hopes to become a Chicago alderman or state representative to do just that.
Vasquez has been immersing himself in government through school courses and clubs for several years, and got a firsthand look inside politics when he worked as a page for Sen. Tammy Duckworth in the spring of 2020.
He helped set up the senate chamber, making sure speakers had podiums and water, and delivered letters and daily news reports and parliamentary procedures to different offices, among other things. He also had a chance to meet Duckworth and chat with her staff.
“They reached out to me asking if I wanted a cup of coffee with them when I first got to D.C.,” said Vasquez. “A lot of these people were just people who were interested in serving the public good.”
Most interesting for Vasquez was witnessing the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. He had to work longer hours and distribute more information, including questions from the senators to Chief Justice John Roberts.
“We were thrown into it without normal, per se, experience,” said Vasquez, who was a page from March 16 to June 5. “It was still an amazing process to learn and see people who you hear about on the news be right in front of you.”
What Vasquez liked most was experiencing the news directly.
“I found it interesting the way both sides of the aisle presented their arguments and the way it differs from what some political pundits may spin it,” said Vasquez. “It grants you the opportunity to have an unbiased view . ... ”
Being a page also gave Vasquez the chance to meet Kameelah Pointer, another Marian alum.
Pointer is a legislative aide and assistant to the chief of staff for Duckworth. She also serves as president of the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus
Much of what helped Vasquez prepare for his national government stint came from his AP Government and Politics class, which covered politics in Great Britain, Russia, China and other countries.
Vasquez has also been involved in the school’s Political Club, overseeing a mock election, Speech class and euro Challenge competition.
Growing up and living on the South Side of Chicago and having parents who immigrated from Mexico also influenced his desire to help. He has volunteered in his church translating for parishioners going through the immigration process. He is also a caretaker for his grandparents.
“I see how inequity plays out on a daily basis in real
time in front of my eyes,” said Vasquez. “I come from a family of immigrants and understand how difficult it can be for someone trying to get their papers.”
Scott Bodnar, Marian’s chairperson for Social Studies who had Vasquez in his AP Government and Politics class and sponsors euro Challenge at the school,
said his motivation and interest in politics was clear.
“He’s very hard working and loves politics,” said Bodnar. “There are not many kids as involved as him in terms of knowing about politics and wanting to know more.
“He just kind of got the bug for politics,” said Bodnar.
Bodnar also Vasquez’s people were impressive.
“He gets along very well with fellow students and teachers,” said Bodnar. “He’s very respectful … he’s not pushy or demanding.”
said skills