New Hampshire Primaries Student Trip

• View Photos from the Trip
• Read Student Blogs: Loretta Jacobs | Catherine Legnetti
• Hofstra Chronicle coverage of New Hampshire trip

It was my first time attending political events, and I had a blast. I'm still trying to comprehend how much we were able to see in only a few days, and I cannot tell you how great it was to see the events leading up to the primary in person and not as clips on TV.
-Brian Shoicket

The trip to New Hampshire was amazing! Seeing all the candidates up close and personal was interesting and completely different than seeing them on T.V. It was great to see so many candidates, and it was nice to see them in a smaller setting, because I feel that you can learn so much more about them when they each have their own time to speak and focus on their own policies (instead of arguing with each other during a televised debate).
- Kayla Burd

This is certainly a trip that every political science student at Hofstra should experience. New Hampshire was unlike anything I had expected; it is a very politically active state and I am hoping to go back in another four years.
- Roy Seter

It was wonderful to be able to go to the different events and hear the candidates speak. I felt so much more informed once I got home, because seeing them live right in front of me is much more interesting than reading about each candidate in the newspaper. Then, of course, being able to push my way through the crowd to meet the candidates was a thrill in itself. I was able to meet Edwards, McCain, Richardson, and Obama - that was a definite highlight for me.
-Kaitlin Kindbergh

The experience was filled with such much invaluable information that could only be attained by visiting the primaries. Watching it on television bares no comparison.
- Sylvia Giralde

[New Hampshire] was an amazing experience that I will remember for a lifetime. I am very interested in the political scene and it was a great opportunity to see one of the most historic elections in our nation's history up-close. As a former employee of Senator Clinton, the highlight of my trip was being able to meet her again and hear her speak. I also enjoyed listening to her press secretary, Ann Lewis, speak because I aspire to have a career such as hers in the future.
- Brittney Boehm

The trip to New Hampshire with Hofstra University was a life changing experience, and it really helped me become more aware of the election process. As a voting American I feel it is important to not simply tune in the last few months of elections but rather keep track continuously of our candidates. I must also add that another great experience of the trip was seeing New Hampshire. Visiting the little towns and cities that make up parts of our country help you appreciate the overall beauty of America. It gave me the opportunity to view America through the life of someone who does not live in a major city - that was truly significant.
- Yehuda Green

I know that I along with my friends will never forget the experience, and I hope that I can one day say I saw the president when he/she was still trying to win voters in New Hampshire. I look forward to following the campaigns of the candidates which I feel like I now know so well!
- Kelsey Moran

I had a fabulous time and managed to stand about three feet away from Hilary Clinton, John Edwards, John McCain and Bill Richardson. I know I will be telling stories about this trip to my children and grandchildren.
- Tina Wilson

This was an amazing trip. We were able to see and meet many of the candidates and also see much of New Hampshire. Going on the trip helped me learn a lot about all the candidates, a lot of which I wouldn't have learned on my own at home.
-Graham Miller

Seeing and hearing politicians speak up close is much more real. They seem more like regular people, and you are able to see them stutter and sweat as they fumble for answers. When seeing candidates in person this way you get a better opportunity to see a difference in not only policies but character as well, which I find both important. I've learned much from it that will help me make a decision come time in November. It is something that I feel very lucky to have attended.
- Samantha Rashid

• Student Photos of New Hampshire Primaries Trip
• C-Span Coverage of Student Trip

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Material compiled by Megan O'Brien