More than an academic interest, politics is a way of life for Matthew Metz '13, who can already say that he's been on a conference call with the president. Metz expects to be a conspicuous presence on campus and in Knox County this semester, registering Kenyon students to vote and working to repeal Ohio Senate Bill 5 (limiting the collective bargaining power of public employees) and Ohio House Bill 194 (a package of election reform laws).

His work builds on an internship begun in June through the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C., where he helped recruit and train volunteers for President Obama's re-election campaign. Among the highlights: conference calls with President Obama, Vice President Biden, and First Lady Michelle Obama, plus a July 4 party at the White House. "I worked numerous 13-hour days, but loved every second of it," said Metz, who has been active in politics since high school.

At Kenyon, he applied for his summer internship with the help of the Career Development Office, which earlier had arranged an externship for Metz shadowing Jack Pratt '98, chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY). Political science professors John Elliott and Pamela Camerra-Rowe wrote recommendations for his internship application. "There is no way I would have gained this experience without their help," Metz said.

In addition to his duties for the Obama campaign, Metz is active in Kenyon Democrats and Knox County Democrats. "The relationships I have been able to develop in a small community like Kenyon and Knox County have been incredibly valuable. I've worked on a school levy with Kenyon professors and attended strategy sessions with the Knox County Democratic party. I don't think I would have had those opportunities at a larger school."

Metz aspires to a career in public policy or politics, perhaps after attending graduate school