This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at KU chapter.
If you’re on the hunt for a student that lets nothing stand in his way, then Mitch Rucker (@mitchruckerKS) is your guy! As a senior at KU double majoring in Economics and Political Science, you’d think that Mitch would have his plate full enough with his studies, but that’s not the case! Mitch is a National Merit Scholar, an undergraduate teaching assistant at KU, an honors student and Honors Ambassador, a seminar assistant to Dr. Chris Wiles (Associate Director of the Honor’s Program), Secretary of his fraternity Alpha Tao Omega, part of the Jayhawkers coalition in Student Senate and has participated in Student Senate since his freshman year.
As if all that wasn’t enough, at just 19 years old, Mitch Rucker took on the incredible job of running for State House of Representatives here in Kansas. I know what you’re thinking, how could a 19-year old possibly be prepared for such a large task? Well, though he didn’t win his race, Mitch proved that he wasn’t only prepared for the job, but ready to lead our state as a voice for the youth and education system. He actually managed to obtain 33% of the votes, which when considering his position, is truly incredible. When asked what compelled Mitch to run so young, he responded:
“Well, I received an email about a week before the filing deadline informing me that our state didn’t have an incumbent, which is what gave me the idea in the first place. But I have to say, what really drove me to run was the situation with the schools out there (small town Western Kansas area). There’s been a number of school consolidations all over Kansas due to economic resources. I’ve always seen education as a way to empower yourself, and I wanted to make sure everybody had the opportunity to receive a quality education, regardless of where they live. You shouldn’t have to travel for hours just to be able to attend school. I didn’t approve of what the current legislature was doing at the time because education was not their priority.”
Growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Western Kansas gave Mitch a personal outlook on the devastation that comes with losing your school. Mitch reigns from Burdett, Kansas, and attended Pawnee Heights High School in the neighboring town for most of his educational life, but graduated from Hodgeman County High School, which was even further. Towns like Mitch’s are so small, sometimes the closest school to you is an hour away, making these towns dwindle down to nothing in population. “My family’s been out there for five generations on the same land, and it’s just sad to see those towns dry up and, basically, die. About two thirds of the state is being affected by this, and I want to do anything I can to help.” Though right now Mitch is trying to focus on the upcoming LSATS and deciding where to apply for Law School (fingers crossed for KU, of course!), he very much plans to consider running again in the future.
Though politics are a big part of Mitch’s life, that’s not all he does! In his down time, Mitch loves to enjoy a good Wang Burger down at the Wheel with his Fraternity brothers every Friday. When asked how Greek Life affected his outlook on KU and College life, his eyes lit up as he replied:
“Oh, I love it! You know, it’s definitely challenged me to become a better person. It provides for making connections with people that other organizations just don’t provide. You can meet people in class, you can meet people on the bus, in your dorm, at the dining hall, or whatever, but being apart of a fraternity gives you the opportunity to connect with someone on a deeper, more personal level. Other organizations just don’t provide that kind of opportunity.”
Well, from the sound of it, Mitch has one heck of a support system in place with his Fraternity in whatever it is he decides to pursue. Mitch plans to attend Law School here at The University of Kansas beginning next Fall, and hopes to go into a career of Public Service. Mitch is a true shining star in our midst, and there is no doubt that he will be a success story. Don’t ever change that hopeful and determined attitude! And if Mitch does decide to run again in the future, I have no doubt that his voice will be heard! Good luck to you, Mitch!