Red, White and "see blue."

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 20, 2009) – Ryan Smith is a senior from Louisville, Ky., studying political science and international business at UK. He is president of the Student Government Association, past-president of Sigma Chi Fraternity, involved with the state’s largest student-run philanthropy project, Dance Blue, and he spent several months on the advance team for former President George W. Bush. We sat down with Ryan to discuss his passion for politics and how UK is helping prepare him for the future.

When did your interest in politics begin?

Politics is something that’s always interested and intrigued me. When I was a junior in high school, I had the opportunity to be a page in the United States Senate for Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. From there, many doors were opened for me.

How did you get involved volunteering for President George W. Bush? 

I volunteered at a political event and talked to some people on the advance team. I asked about opportunities. What came of those conversations was a series of assignments to advance teams for the president that sent me to Vietnam, Colombia and Germany, as well as to dozens of U.S. cities, to handle logistics and prepare for presidential visits.

What place that you have visited as part of the advance team has made the most lasting impression on you?

Last February I was part of an advance team for President Bush’s swing through Rwanda on a tour of Africa. It was such an eye-opening experience, to see poverty first-hand. Most of those people earn $1 to $2 a day, and one out of four is infected with AIDS. It left me with a much greater appreciation for what I have.

Why did you decide to come to UK?

I had seen and talked to so many of my friends before I graduated from high school, and they were telling me about all the opportunities available at UK. I just thought I couldn't expect more from college! There were so many doors that were opened, and the first semester I immediately became comfortable and loved this campus.

What is the best thing about UK?

I have been so impressed by the caliber of teachers and professors that are here at this university. They have prepared me so well to pursue graduate school, business school or law school.