An event that happened an ocean away sparked junior Nicholas Boyd's passion for politics. While the 1992 presidential election was taking place here in the United States, Boyd was watching the results from afar at his home in Munich, Germany.
"My earliest political memory is waking up the morning after the 1992 election and learning from my dad that President Bush, Sr. had been defeated," said Boyd, who is now president of the Tufts Republicans. "You might say the Bush family got me interested in politics."
For the time being, however, Boyd was thousands of miles away. Though he moved slightly closer to the States in a geographic sense, from Germany to England, Boyd found that he was still far from the politically active environment he desired.
"Politics was not a big interest at my high school [in England]," Boyd said. "Though I was conservative long before coming to Tufts, I had no opportunities, nor did I see any way to get involved beyond discussions over lunch with my friends, all of whom happened to be Democrats."
"[Europe] is overrated," Boyd said. "It strikes me as a narrow-minded, corrupt, frustrating and lazy place. Elites like it because they are automatically revered there, while in America they have to prove themselves just like everyone else."
Boyd found his conservative political views to be unique within his family. At the dinner table, he argued a perspective greatly divergent from those of his father and Swedish mother. Boyd attributes the disparity in political beliefs partly to what he believes is an anti-American bias in the Swedish media.
"[The bias] makes it difficult to discuss politics with [my family in Sweden], so I begin by trying to convince them that they can't trust their media," Boyd said.
Though being alone in his political beliefs was a challenge, another event occurred to further solidify Boyd's interest in American politics. "Prior to Sept. 11, I thought I would pursue a business career," Boyd said. "You realize that doing something to protect America needs to come first."
With that thought in mind, Boyd enrolled at Tufts and began to lead a more politically active life. With his strong convictions about the importance of the media, Boyd became involved in the on-campus publication The Primary Source, where he is now production manager.
"[The Source] is what really keeps conservatism alive at Tufts," Boyd said. "I've tried to expand the role the Republicans play, but The Source remains the conservative heavyweight at Tufts." Boyd also pursued his interest in media through a winternship with FOX News last year.
Boyd's primary passion, however, is still politics, which he enjoys because of "the uncertainty of achieving your objective." Boyd believes that "politics is exciting right now, perhaps because the stakes are so high."
Nonetheless, "not everybody needs to be an activist," Boyd said.
In fact, though political activities take up much of his free time in college, Boyd is doubtful that he will pursue it as a full-time career. "After college, I think it's time to tone down political activism. I know I'll be looking for a real job - probably within government, law enforcement, the military, or something similar," said Boyd, who is currently looking into opportunities with the FBI, CIA and defense contractors.
"I hope to have time for political interests on the side," Boyd said. "We'll see."
What's more certain is Boyd's desire to relocate. Though he believes "home is and has always been Connecticut," Boyd is anxious to "get out of the Northeast after college. A 'red' state with warmer weather sounds nice, but I'm sure my future employer has more say over that than I do," Boyd said.
For now, however, Boyd is content to devote his time to politics. Though in the past he has had trouble finding friends of a similar political preference, Boyd said the Republi-can community at Tufts and in the Boston area is supportive.
"I saw President Bush in person twice during this campaign," Boyd said. "You're surrounded by thousands of like-minded individuals holding thousands of signs, shouting for 'Four More Years!' at the top of their lungs. It's an incredible experience."
"Political campaigning is a great experience, but I admit to wishing it was less necessary," Boyd added. "I look forward to an America where, though I may prefer one party over another, I don't have to fear the consequences of the wrong party winning the election."
Campaigning during the recent presidential election left Boyd with little time for other activities. "Tufts Right to Arms, the firearms training/Second Amendment activism club that I co-founded, hasn't been active this semester yet," Boyd said. "The election has consumed the energy of its officers, many of which are also in the Republicans."
Boyd nonetheless believes his time was well spent. "Getting good grades is important, but it won't be the most important thing you carry away with you," Boyd said. "I know I'll remember late nights producing issues of The Source or weekend trips to New Hampshire to see the President, not an 'A' I got on some paper."
