Representative Doug Collins, a proud Republican from the House of Representatives, visited North Forsyth High School on Thursday, January 23, 2014, to lecture students on economics, the United States government, politics, and the importance of knowledge and life-goals. The Southern Baptist politician began the hour and a half seminar with a short introduction and a brief overview of his life, his views, and his career. Though some politicians can occasionally reek of greasy one-liners, bad smiles, and an over-the-top attitude towards their party, Rep. Collins—also a veteran of the Iraq War—kept the atmosphere within his lecture warm and inviting.

“The policies of the next few years will affect where you’re going,” Rep. Collins said.

Rep. Collins spent the first half of the seminar unloading a constant flow of information about the United States economy and politics. He did not color anything in his favor and instead focused on presenting the facts as they were. Rep. Collins emphasized heavily the importance of voter participation and actively learning about and investigating current events within the Nation’s borders.

“What we are doing now affects you,” Rep. Collins said.

Rep. Collins opened up the second half of his seminar to the student groups—3rd period government, history, and economics classes—for questions. The collaboration of students ranging from freshman to seniors asked everything from the likelihood of tax cuts to the type of hair gel he used in his hair. Rep. Collins responded to every question with the practiced ease of a politician, but he also openly answered each question without any uncertainty or uneasiness. Even more direct questions, such as his personal income, did not cause him to stumble.

“I’m probably one of the most open individuals you are going to meet,” Rep. Collins said.

Rep. Collins finished up his lecture by ensuring that anyone who had not spoken had a chance to speak. He then went on a brief lecture about the federal government and its complex nature before concluding with an invitation to watch the State of the Union television broadcast.

Throughout the entire seminar, the Representative subtly wove in small messages on life and pursuing ones goals. While his lecture spanned a number of subjects, his ultimate message was to educate one’s self as much as possible on the world and the political and social events going on around it and find a way to cooperate with one another.

“We all have differences of opinion…where we can find agreement…that is where we need to get back to.”