Two students write excerpts for national non-partisan book

Two JMU students have been published nationally in "What We Think," a non-partisan book voicing opinions on prominent political and social issues from today’s college-age adults.

Sophomore Maia Banks’ and junior Brook Thompson’s selections comprise two of the 99 selections in the book.

Rob Grabow and Dean Robbins are responsible for the creation of the book. Grabow said that the book is designed to give 18- to 24-years-olds a voice about these issues.

"We want to show that these 18- to 24-year-olds are as passionate as the rest of America," Grabow said.

It is no coincidence that this book was released a week before Election Day, either. Grabow said that the college-age demographic gets the most media attention at this time, so he and Robbins decided this time was the best to release the book.

Banks’ piece addresses the environment. "I was inspired to write something because I have always loved writing, and am also very opinionated and passionate about the things that mean a lot to me," Banks said.

Thompson’s piece discusses conflicting ideals with what she believes is important and with what is valued in the United States. "I’ve thought about [these issues] and struggled with it a lot, so eventually I decided to get it out on paper."

Both writers said they were shocked to find out they were published in this book.

"I’ve always loved to write, but being published has always felt like a dream that was hard to accomplish, so being published as part of this book is amazing," Banks said of her piece that discussed environmentalism.

Thompson said she always hoped to get something published but she never thought she would.

Grabow said there were well over 400 submissions for the 99 spaces. The articles were selected by a reading list of 15 people, but the ultimate decision of which works were published was up to Grabow and Robbins, the editors of the book.

"Hopefully [the book] will generate a little more respect for our age group," Thompson said. "I think the book shows that we’re more than capable of thinking critically and articulating our opinions."
Banks said, "Apathy is dangerous; forming an opinion and voicing it is sort of key for democracy to work. Everyone’s got to have something they’re passionate about, and maybe reading the book will enlighten some others out there ready to do something in the world."