Zachary Harris and Ben Walling

Description

[Recorded Tuesday, March 19, 2024] UVA students Zachary Harris (22) from Robbinsville, New Jersey, and Ben Walling (21) Chesapeake, Virginia, recorded a One Small Step conversation as part of their course "Lead From Anywhere." These students discussed how the events of January 6, 2021 inspired them to translate their political interests into studying public policy. They brought up the importance of having respectful dialogue across the aisle in order to achieve change. These students used these ideas to talk about their own policy interests, ranging from free speech on social media platforms to equity in law enforcement and child welfare. The students shared how being in Batten and being exposed to different current events such as the war in Gaza have made them aware of different viewpoints within their own political parties and social circles. Overall, both students feel it is important to be quick on their feet and approach situations with empathy when having conversations with others.

Participants

• Ben Walling
  
• Zachary Harris
  
• One Small Step at UVA
  

Interview By

• One Small Step at UVA