History in the making

SANDUSKY — When the opportunity to spend a day with Ohio state leaders arose, Dallas Nedham Harris jumped at the chance. On Nov. 10, state representatives D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, and Sean Brennan, D-Parma, visited Sandusky High School for a Veterans Day event. During the event, the district's global internship coordinator, Melissa Arafiles, suggested that Brennan pair with senior student Nedham Harris for a day of shadowing. The next week, Nedham Harris traveled to the Statehouse in Columbus and the Vern Riffe Center, where the representatives' offices are located. He shadowed Brennan and his legislative aide, McKenna Dugan. "Opportunities like this "allow students to connect what they're learning in the classroom to real-world applications, helping them see a clear pathway between their education and future careers," Arafiles said. "Experiences like these build confidence, professionalism and critical thinking skills while also exposing students to networks and career options they may not have otherwise considered. Ultimately, they can influence a student's college and career choices, increase motivation, and open doors to future opportunities." His time in Columbus allowed Nedham Harris to learn the ins and outs of the state legislators, according to him. "I want to be an elected official someday, so I took this opportunity to learn about what they do, the impact they leave and if this is a path that I really want to pursue," Nedham Harris said. "After my experience, I can say that I enjoyed it and I felt right at home." Nedham Harris' dream has been to help people, but he questioned what this dream would look like in his future. He looked into an architecture path to design sustainable housing and infrastructures that fit community needs, but, over time, his interests changed to public service and law. "Spending a day at the Statehouse made me realize that this world of public policy, advocacy and the impact you can make through government is something I'm genuinely passionate about," Nedham Harris said. "It confirmed that, even though politics can be turbulent, it's the field I want to devote my life to." Day in the life of a representative On the morning of his shadowing, Nedham Harris arrived at the office to meet Brennan and Dugan before walking to the Statehouse for a house local government committee meeting. The committee heard testimony from landlords in the state on issues related to water use. The discussion addressed what Nedham Harris described as a major problem. Current state law says property owners are responsible for unpaid utilities, so tenants would rack up high water balances without an obligation to pay them. Nedham Harris said these landlords work with underserved communities, but the financial burden discourages them from continuing their work. "Their testimony supported House Bill 92, which would shift responsibility for unpaid utilities to tenants rather than landlords — something that, to me, seemed like common sense," Nedham Harris said. "I was surprised it wasn't already law." After the meeting, Nedham Harris spoke with Brennan about his goals for the future, his interest in public service and how he wants to make an impact. He and Brennan also took a tour around the Statehouse where he saw the state's House and Senate chambers, the central dome, historic artwork and more. After the tour, Nedham Harris said he had a surprising amount of fun exploring the Riffe Center offices while delivering holiday letters on behalf of Brennan. As he ran around the building, he was able to introduce himself to representatives from both parties and connect with their aides. Next on Nedham Harris and Brennan's schedule was another meeting. This time, the representative discussed the importance of teaching state history and helping students have pride in their state. Nedham Harris said Brennan, who is a former educator, has a passion for youth education, which is something he also cares about. While Brennan stepped into a meeting, Nedham Harris spent more time with Dugan, who explained the workday, her responsibilities and the schedule for which bills would hit the floor. Once Brennan's meeting came to an end, it was time to head back to the Statehouse for the General Assembly. "I watched from the House chamber balcony, which was especially meaningful because in school, we don't cover how state government functions day-to-day," Nedham Harris said. "Seeing it in person was awesome." Before heading back home, Nedham Harris was formally announced and met Swearingen, who is his own representative, and listened to more speeches. This shadowing experience taught Nedham Harris what impact the day-to-day work at the state level has on people's lives. He said representatives have big responsibilities and much of the work goes unseen. "From Rep. Brennan specifically, I learned that being a changemaker starts with using your voice," Nedham Harris said. "He showed me that if you believe in something, you speak up, and then keep speaking up, louder each time, until people not only see you, but hear you and truly understand the issue you're fighting for." Making history Nedham Harris's interest in politics was piqued about a year ago during the 2024 general election. He said he followed the election and became obsessed with the process, political strategy and policy. He also became personally involved through the political process with his father, Marcus Harris, who was campaigning for Erie County Commissioner. He helped his father's campaign, knocked on doors and walked in parades across the county. The next step in Nedham Harris's career is college. He plans to study political science and public policy at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Once he graduates, he wants to go to law school to become a Constitutional lawyer or a prosecutor because understanding the law and how it shapes lives is important to him. He said he wants it in his foundation as he continues his journey. Nedham Harris's long-term plan is to run for office. He wants to become the first African American senator to serve Tennessee in the U.S. Senate and, hopefully, become the youngest senator to serve in the county. "My goal isn't just to make history. It's to usher in a new generation of leaders and make the political space feel accessible to young people, working families and communities who often aren't heard," Nedham Harris said. Once history is made in Tennessee, Nedham Harris wants to run for president. "That's a big dream, but I've never shied away from big dreams," Nedham Harris said. "I believe in serving people, speaking up for those who feel overlooked and fighting to fulfill the promise of America. If I can spend my life doing that, through public service, through policy, through leadership, then I'll be doing exactly what I was put on this earth to do."