Voices: why I'm volunteering for ... John McCain: 'I realized that I could make a difference in the future of our country.'.

• Author: Lockhart, Bradley
• Position: ELECTION 2008

In 1954, John McCain graduated from Episcopal High School. in Alexandria, Virginia--the same school, where I'm now a senior. When Senator McCain addressed our student body last April, I was inspired to volunteer for his campaign. He spoke of integrity, honor, and being part of something greater than yourself--and I took his comments to heart.

After his speech, my friends and I agreed that McCain's strongest attribute is his character. He does more than merely talk about his Leadership abilities: McCain has spent his entire adult life honorably serving our country as a Navy officer or in the House or Senate representing Arizona.

Although I've considered myself a Republican since middle school. and belong to the' Young Republicans Club, I hadn't thought much about volunteering for the McCain campaign. But seeing and hearing him in person made the whole process seem more personal. I realized that I could make a difference in the future of our country.

When school, broke for the summer, I called campaign headquarters and asked what I could do to help. Over the summer, the emphasis was on collecting donations and making sure the voters got to know the candidate. The campaign ads you see on TV help us get the word out about McCain's values and his qualifications to be President. But those ads also cost money--including a good chunk of the donations we helped collect.

My appeals for donations were mostly to family members. It was particularly gratifying when people...