Courtesy Fred Tawil, a political science student at Trinity University, was recently named the Western regional director of Students for Barack Obama.

After only six months of working for Students for Barack Obama, Trinity University student Fred Tawil was named the Western regional director of the organization.

That entails overseeing the student chapters of eight states for the political science junior, and not very much rest.

Tawil said his goal is simple: Get young people to be more involved in the political process.

“Youth are always underrepresented,” the 20-year-old said of elections. “I want to get people enthusiastic about this campaign.”

Tawil was originally named Texas field director of Students for Barack Obama and then Texas director. He received the new title three weeks ago. The organization is an official part of Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
“When I was Texas director, nothing was here,” Tawil said. “Now we have more than 20 chapters.”

Tawil does have some tough obstacles ahead. His home state bleeds red and his peers have a history of low voter turnout. But he said he's up for the challenge.

“We really need to get a young generation out there voting,” Tawil said.
Part of his job perks include meeting Obama, which Tawil did at a June rally at Sunset Station. Tawil also flew to Obama's campaign headquarters in Chicago for training on how to carry out his job and be a good leader. On Nov. 15, the Texas chapters will take 150 students to Iowa.

Emily Messer | 210SA