Political science in practice at LCC

By Carson Lemon
Staff Reporter

The Political Science Student Association (PSSA) is one of the many clubs offered at Lansing Community College. The club offers students the chance to engage in discourse among peers about national and local issues and topics, as well as career opportunities and information pertaining to the political science field.

PSSA was relaunched in 2023 under the direction of Club Advisor and LCC Professor Mike Giles. This year, the club has hosted events like a “how to get a government job” seminar, and previous years have seen discussions and debates pertaining to nationwide issues like abortion and U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

Giles notes that the club has had some difficulty bringing more diverse ideas into the ranks of the club. He hopes the club will challenge students to learn how to see alternative perspectives on issues. “One thing I want to do is have a topical discussion day. Maybe we do the topic of gun rights or gun control and see where everybody lines up ideologically and then have them switch their side, so they've got to argue for the opposing side.”

Club Officer and LCC student Zara Djibrine praised the club for how it helped to further her own education and understanding of political science. “Just coming from a background where I had no knowledge of the American political system, I think just being able to talk to other students who know way more than I do, I think definitely helped expand or understand some of the concepts that I am currently learning or wanting to learn in the future.”

Djibrine also noted some ways she wants to expand the club in the future and what kind of path she wants to see the club take. “We have so many plans, one of which we want to do a Capitol visit, because some of our group members who are interested in becoming lawyers and/or judges are looking into that justice system. We want to do fundraising, like partnering up with local coffee shops to put a certain percentage of [revenue] toward a cause.”

Additionally, the club has set its sights on possibly forming a Model United Nations and hosting mock trials.

The Political Science Student Association meets on the first and third Mondays of the month at 1:30 p.m. in room 2125 of the Arts & Sciences Building. All LCC students are welcome to attend and will be added to the club's mailing list after attending their first meeting.

For students on the fence about checking the club out, Djibrine said this: “I was really scared [to join] at first. Last semester, I was really depressed about not doing anything, especially being involved in politics, even though I knew there were things going on. So just talk to people, give it a shot... We don't bite, we don't promote one ideology, we talk about everything, so just come. It'll be fun!”