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It seems like it was just yesterday that I returned to Vanderbilt after possibly the most life-changing weekend of my life.

I have three words for you: Paul Wellstone Camp.

No, we didn't sleep in log cabins in some rustic location, sing songs around a campfire or go on long nature hikes. Hundreds of politically-minded college students and I received intensive training in citizen activism, building a political campaign or becoming a progressive candidate.

During my three-day excursion to bustling Atlanta, I had the great pleasure of meeting swarms of progressive students from all over the nation, all unified to defeat an unnamed conservative puppet currently in office.

I spent three glorious days talking with, learning from and admiring this extremely passionate bunch.

The main topic of conversation, regardless of age, sex or geographic origin proved again and again to be electoral politics. Many told me stories of disgruntled years following the 2000 election conspiracy, but found renewed hope with Minnesotan Sen. Paul Wellstone.

For those unfamiliar with the greatness of Paul Wellstone, he held a key Democratic seat in the U.S. Senate before his tragic death in a plane crash in December 2002. Wellstone boasted one of the most liberal voting records in Congress.

The two-term Democrat was known for taking stands in defense of the prevailing, political winds of the Republican administration, such as his vote against a resolution authorizing the use of force in Iraq and his vote against the 1996 Welfare Reform Act.

Before his move into electoral politics, Wellstone earned his B.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His great experience as teacher and grassroots organizer in Minnesota provided the foundation for his progressive policies as senator.

He ran in 1990 as the proclaimed underdog, and managed to rally a dedicated volunteer force and traveled the state in his trademark Green Bus. He became the only Senate contender to unseat an incumbent.

He truly manifested the progressive face of electoral politics in America, like no other candidate had done. He drew the support of thousands who were labeled as disfranchised. He ran for and won a seat in the Senate without compromising his beliefs. How many politicians can boast that?

My renewed faith in electoral politics and the potential of our generation has never been greater. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend a Paul Wellstone Camp (specifically the youth-targeted camp) to do so. I contend that no one can leave the same as they arrive, regardless of how "political" he or she believe himself or herself to be going in.

The greatest insight I learned from Wellstone Camp remains that the progressives of our generation can overcome and eventually control the current political machine through civic participation.

Paul Wellstone reminded a graduating high school class of a lesson that is applicable to all: "The future will not belong to the cynics. The future will not belong to those who stand on the sidelines. The future will belong to those who are willing to work."

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