BC News

At Glenmont, a strong endorsement for community service from Senator Breslin

Release Date: June 2, 2009

Senator Neil Breslin dropped by Glenmont Elementary School today to talk to students about the importance of taking care of others, the art of compromise and the value of doing work you love.

After Breslin answered dozens of their questions, students, in turn, sang “Happy Birthday” to the 7-term Albany County senator whose birthday is next week. 
Breslin addressed the fourth grade classes in the school’s cafeteria. The fourth grade Social Studies curriculum focuses on government and history in New York State.

In his remarks to students, he encouraged them to look around at their peers. Someday, one of them will need some help, and you should be there for them, he said.

He likened government to this concept, saying that he saw his role as working to help level the playing field so that no one had an unfair advantage and everyone had access to opportunities. 

“Remember, we’re on this earth to make the lives of others better,” Sen. Breslin said. 

Students asked questions ranging from the Senator’s favorite spot in New York (Lake George) to his thoughts on the economy (hopefully the stimulus bill is starting to have a positive impact) and the most important person in government today (Barack Obama, according to Sen. Breslin). 

Students also asked who influenced him to go into politics. Sen. Breslin said that it was probably his mother, who taught her children early on about giving back to their community. She volunteered five-days a week until she was 94 years old, according to Breslin. 
Along with making a difference, he told students to pursue their interests and to “choose something you like.” 

Even before the students serenaded him, Sen. Breslin told them he felt good about the future of the world knowing it had future leaders like them.

"This is one of the best groups of kids I have ever spoken to,” he said.

 

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