Crossroads topics relevant 30 years later

The University of North Georgia (UNG) Political Science Student Association (PSSA) and its discussion group Crossroads turned 30 this year, with the April 10 event featuring a reunion of past and present participants.

Highlighting the milestone was a reunion of the political group's members on April 10 in Young Hall at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Jenny Muller '94, the group's first president, attended via Zoom and Dominick Ledesma, current PSSA president, attended in person.

"Politicians and media make us believe that we're polarized. The reality is that those are the fringe, crazy people. The majority of them are in the middle. I think everyone was coming back to find common ground to know that we are not on an island on the far right or far left and the world is coming to an end. It was a great opportunity for people to come together and to look for a common ground," Muller said.

Sophomore Anita Lopez a Dahlonega, Georgia, resident pursuing a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration. Lopez currently handles the group's social media. She encourages others to participate in the weekly discussions.

"I think it helps prepare any student with civil political discussion. It has helped me with public speaking and helped prepare me for my future of law school and a career in law, Lopez said.

Lopez used the event as an opportunity to network with alumna Rachel Schneeberg, who offered great advice about the transition from undergraduate studies to law school. Schneeberg is a legal assistant and currently attending law school. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 2018 and a Master of Public Administration in 2021. Attorney Meredith Shea, '19, holds a political science degree and a double minor in philosophy and sociology. She received her Juris Doctor in 2022 and was one of two students to serve as president for two full years (2017-2019).

"Being involved in Crossroads throughout my college career assisted me in being aware of different perspectives on major issues. I learned how to be a better public speaker and to listen to what was being said. This has had a direct impact on my career as an attorney because these are skills that I am utilizing every day," Shea said.

Discussion topics focus on political issues ranging from elections to current events. The first session topic, "Does Congress Work," was revived for the anniversary discussion.

Although the name has changed over the years, its adviser has not.

"The group was a new idea for what was then a very small department (Political Science and Criminal Justice) of only seven faculty. I was eager to get involved, so I agreed when I was offered the opportunity to become the faculty advisor. We've been going ever since," Dr. Carl Cavalli said. "The first one or two were known as Brown Bag Lunches, but by the end of April 1994, we adopted the name Crossfire. That name lasted until 2019, when we adopted the current Crossroads name."