Governor Herbert visits USU Eastern and speaks with students

This archived article was written by: Morgan Verdi, editor-in-chief

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert visited USU Eastern on Friday, Oct. 3, to talk with student leaders about his educational goals. He shared his views of education that “not one size fits all” as one of his platforms.

Herbert shared his views about cutting funds to education and wants to stop that from happening. He shared with students his views of hard work by sharing a quote that has been used in his family for as long as he can remember, “Work will win when wishy-washy wishing won’t.” He then opened it up to the students to ask questions.
Students took advantage of the opportunity and spouted off questions. Herbert was asked, “How are you getting kids to set college as a goal?” He talked about how getting parents to make their children excited for college was a big way to motivate them to attend college as young adults. He was also asked, “Are you focused on just the educational aspect of young adults or does the concern cover emotional needs as well?” Herbert talked about the huge concern of children’s emotional needs and said that having counselors in schools was important.

Herbert spent time answering each question. He talked one on one with the students, making sure they knew he was listening. He showed he cared what they had to say.

He asked students their opinions on things like the Common Core, Utah’s Core Standards in English, language arts and mathematics, based on the Common Core State Standards. The Common Core establishes a framework for high quality instruction. It defines what students should know and be able to do to as they move on in their educational goals.
Students were asked their opinion on concurrent enrollment classes as well as AP classes. Students thanked Gov. Herbert for talking time out of his busy schedule to come talk to them.
Taylie Woodruff, one of USU

“I thought it was awesome that he took the time out of his day to talk with us.

I also liked how he interacted with us and asked us our opinion on the Common Core, concurrent enrollment and AP classes.”
Andi Vuksinick, one of USU Eastern’s student leaders said, “I think it was cool that he came to USU Eastern because we aren’t a very known school so the fact he did that really shows he cares.”
After the meeting was over, students lined up to meet Herbert. Even then he spent individual time with each student talking to them and answering questions. The experience was one students won’t soon forget.