This Book Inspired Me to Run for Public Office One Day in the Future

“100,000 First Bosses: My Unlikely Path as a 22-Year-Old Lawmaker” took me two days to read; I couldn’t stop myself until I finished.

What did you do during senior year of college?

Soak up the last moments?
Take a spring break trip with friends?
Apply for jobs?

All of these tasks are crucial for anyone in their final weeks as a college student. But what did Will Haskell do during his senior year at Georgetown a few years ago?

He ran for the Connecticut State Senate. And his new autobiography explains all about it.

He Wasn’t Happy with His District

Haskell, at 22 years old, took advice from former President Barack Obama’s farewell address speech. The world leader said:

“If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.”

Powerful words indeed. So that’s what Haskell decided to do.

As many of his friends and colleagues were our enjoying their last moments as college seniors and securing jobs, Haskell decided to run for state Senator. He was fed up with the same politician being in charge of the district longer than he’d been alive.

He decided to do something about it.

Along with family, friends and a small group of supporters, Haskell begins in run for office. He dove into the political waters knowing some things but not everything.

He learned so much along the way.

Haskell eventually won the senate seat, but that’ wasn’t the end of his story. He discussed further what he’s done in office so far and what he plans to do.

But the real story is his running in the first place.

He Expressed Many Personal Feelings

Throughout the book, I rooted for Haskell to win, even though I already knew he was going to. But his thoughts and feelings along the way struck me.

I resonated with the book so much. Currently, I’m Haskell’s age when he decided to run for office and win. I took away many of the same personal feelings as he did.

He felt doubt in himself and the fact that he could not win by a large margin. He also felt he was changing everyone’s lives when he didn’t mean to. Everyone around him had to drop everything to help him run.

Thankfully, it all worked out in the end. As the book unfolds and tell his roller coaster ride of a personal tale, I felt so connected to him. I feel like I know him now, and I’ve never even met him.

The book was so good that it took me two days to finish. I rarely ever do that with a book, so this title proves there are still many great books left to read in the world.

This Book Inspired Me So Much

I don’t plan on running for office anytime soon. Most likely, probably not ever in my life. Maybe perhaps, if I want to be the change I want to see.

Nevertheless, this book taught me lessons I will carry with me at all times in the future. It taught me that if I want to see change in the world, I should be the change. Haskell wanted to change his local politics, so he did.

The book also taught me perseverance. Haskell was the unlikeliest person to run for state senate in his area, but he did it. Through determination and hard work, he proved the haters wrong and kept fighting until the end.

These lessons and so many more helped make the book a delightful read. I can’t believe it’s not more popular than what it already is.

Closing Thoughts

I’m not a political person really. Therefore, I don’t read many political books.

I did enjoy this book, though. I felt a part of the story all of the way until the final page. I think you will too when you read this.

Who knows, it may just inspire you to run for office some day. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Happy reading!