5-year veteran of the United States Army reserve and state president for the Georgia Youth and College Division of the NAACP, senior political science James “Major” Woodall, is embarking on a new journey: State Representative of District 160.

“I’m young, I’m full of life, energy, enthusiasm and vibrancy. The fact that I’m bringing a different perspective being a veteran, a student, an activist, and a social justice warrior separates me,” Woodall said.

Major sums up his platform with three E’s: economics, educational reform, and environmental justice.

With regards to education, he focuses on issues like the campus carry bill, increases in Hope and Pell scholarships and bringing more resources to students at GSU and other similar institutions.

“I believe we should make our campuses more safe and efficient. As someone who represents not only myself but also other people, I became an opposer of the campus carry bill,” Woodall said. “I’m a veteran and I believe we should have guns but if people I’m representing tell me they don’t want something, then I’m going to make sure they don’t have to deal with that situation.”

For the economic standpoint, Woodall believes we should expand what’s already here and make resources available to citizens. He believes that healthcare is a right and not a privilege, and does not support the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

“I do not endorse or support any act that discriminates against any population in this community,” Woodall said.

The environment is important to Woodall and he stresses the fact that we don’t need to be in same positions as Flint, Michigan and Macon, Georgia.

“I think we should invest in the green market. Georgia southern has done a wonderful job with creating a sustainable environment and we need more of that in our community,” Woodall said.

Dean of students, Dean Jackson, is very pleased to see Woodall doing great things as a student on campus.

“I’m very proud of him taking initiative and taking action about what he wants to see change,” Jackson said. “To see him putting his studies in action is exactly the result we expect of students.

Multimedia journalism major, senior Kaitlyn Glenn, is very supportive of her fellow peer trying to achieve this goal at such a young age.

“I think it’s unique to have such a young person to represent this type of town,” Glenn said. “I think it’ll be good for this community to have such a different perspective.”

Elections for State Representative will be Nov 8. This is just the beginning for Major, who is looking forward to standing up for the community, with or without becoming state representative.

“I have a will and I have a heart to serve,” Woodall said, “And that trumps experience any day.”