Alberta Darling, a member of the Wisconsin State Senate representing the eighth district, made an appearance at Shorewood High School on February 20. Darling came to the Copperdome (Room 401) and spoke to members of the Shorewood Political Union (SPU), and other students and teachers, about a variety of topics. SPU president Lily Schultz contacted Darling by email, and invited her to speak at SHS.

“She represents Shorewood, so it was nice of her to come,” Schulz noted. Darling, a Republican, represents liberal Shorewood among other towns in this area.

Topics discussed were Darling’s plans for the future to help children in need and a proposed technology referendum that would benefit the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Darling cited the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s technology as a very important advancement for research. With the help of a referendum, she hopes to form UW-Milwaukee into a research school as well.

Along with her political talks, Darling spoke of her experiences as an educator: “I worked with the English students that dropped out of their other classes,” Darling said. “It was a challenge, but I loved it.”

“I could tell that she cared for children,” said Hope Reynolds, senior. “Her visit was nice.”

Senior Tyler Hawks, on the other hand, found Darling, “a little uncomfortable to listen to for whatever reason.” Hawks also said he found Darling’s focus on children in her speech cliché, given the audience.

Before a photo opt in front of the American flag with the SPU members, Darling gave a bit of advice to those who hope to be future politicians: “Don’t let anyone tell you ‘you can’t do it’.” Darling said. “Go for your dreams.”