Student City Council Member Giannino Juggles School and Politics

Many students aspire to do great things, but few actually step away from their comfort zone and go after those dreams. Salem State University sophomore Jessica Giannino has made strides on making a difference, setting herself aside from the norm by being elected to serve her hometown of Revere as a Councilor-at-Large on Election Day this year.

"I love Revere and everything about it," said Giannino.

Giannino is also Secretary of Student Government Association (SGA), and President of the Commuter Association on campus. Along with her accomplishments in college, she was extremely active in high school as well. She was captain of the golf team; a member of the student council, National Honor Society and Italian Honor Society; president of the Investment Club; and editor of Revere High School's Yearbook Club.

She quickly moved up the ranks in the SGA as public relations chairman to the secretary of the organization.

"Being in leadership roles for so many years has made me see that politics could be in my future," said Giannino.

With support from her family, Giannino decided one night to put her name on the ballot, making the cut just hours before it was due. Despite having never run for public office before, she campaigned for months, holding signs day and night, attending numerous events and meeting as many people possible.

In running against 10 other candidates, her fourth place came at a win with 3,590 votes and was one of three to be running under the age of 35, as well as the youngest woman in the state, possibly even the country.

Giannino, 20, does not feel challenged due to her age and is confident she can do the job. "I know the city and its issues," she said.

When asked what the best part of running, she responded, "The win, of course. The moment I was in City Hall with the ballots were coming in was the best feeling in the world and the most nerveracking," she said.

In the future, Giannino will be working on the casino project at Suffolk Downs, and of course, being a college student.

"It's an amazing accomplishment to be a student, and to maintain a life while being involved in the Revere community," she said. "It's important to have an active role where you live and even where you get your education."

One student who agrees with the notion of helping the community is Salem State senior Sean O'Brien, who is graduating this winter. He's president of the political science academy, treasurer of Amnesty International, and former member of SGA.

Like Giannino, he put his name in the running for public office as well. O'Brien ran for school committee in Salem, and although he didn't win, he had nothing but positive feelings about the experience. As for SSU breeding leaders, O'Brien had a lot to say.

"There are unsung heroes at SSU that are making a difference, and not just in public office," he said. "Salem State doesn't just breed good politicians, but great students and intellectuals. It's those who take the opportunities and does something with that. For me, SGA and Political Science Academy, as well as being in a Model U.N. course, were key tributes to my success and ongoing success."

Though O'Brien didn't win in his campaign, he still had inspirational words to share for the students of Salem State.

"Stay informed," O'Brien said. "We're affected by policies everyday and we do have a SGA office that does a very good job at representing us. Vote on campus at elections and do your part to get your voice out there. Build a platform and be informed that whatever you set your mind to, it can be achievable and you are only failing yourself if you choose not to try."