Balderson delivers stirring speech to GHS students

Congressman Troy Balderson has been serving in public office for many years, making key decisions he hopes will help the constituents he serves.

However, on Monday, Oct. 31 at Garaway High School, Balderson was simply a farm boy, a 4-Her, a guy who worked on cars and someone who was giving Garaway teens something to think about as they pursue their future endeavors.

Balderson was asked to speak to the upper classmen at GHS, where he shared about his life, his sudden rise in the political ranks, his daily routine in office and his vision of how today’s youth can make their mark and find their way in today’s world.

Balderson was sworn in as a member of the United States House of Representatives on Sept. 5, 2018, where he joined Ohio’s 12th Congressional District. He said he came from nowhere special and was one of those young people who was going through life on idle until he realized it was his responsibility to try to improve the lives of others.

Balderson grew up on a farm near Zanesville, where he was involved in 4-H, worked on automobiles and worked as a mechanic at his father’s car dealership.

He attempted to go to Muskingum College and the Ohio State University but never graduated because he never felt a desire to put forth the effort.

“I was put on academic probation my freshman year at Muskingum, and OSU was not my cup of tea,” Balderson said. “Much of that was a lack of effort and a lack of applying myself.”

He eventually went back to work at his father’s dealership, until one day someone approached him about running for office.

Balderson said that thought had never entered his mind, and he wasn’t fond of speaking in public. Yet something drew him to it, and he jumped into it.

“That was way outside of my comfort zone,” Balderson said. “But I prayed to God that he lead me, and I pulled the trigger, even though I had no business doing that.”

Thus, Balderson set out on a journey that led him to several revelations.

The first was finding the best way to navigate this new journey in his life.

“One of the best things you can do is surround yourself with good people who love you and care about you,” Balderson said. “Find those special people who tell you when you’re doing things right and when you’re doing them wrong.”

In 2008 he won a seat on the Ohio House of Representatives. In 2011 he was elected to the Ohio Senate, where he served until being elected to his current position.

“A guy with no college degree, I never envisioned myself where I am,” Balderson said. “But I realized something: God gave each of us a mind, a heart and hands, and you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

That was revelation number two.

He said making the switch to politics was the most difficult decision he has ever made and added while there may be confusion and division in the world, these are exciting times for young people in Appalachian Country. He said they can achieve great things if they focus on doing the necessary work.

“Do the research to find out everything available to you that’s out there for your future,” Balderson said to the students. “There’s going to be some bumps, like we’ve seen through the pandemic. But I encourage all of you to work hard and pursue your passion.”

While Balderson has opted to become a voice for the people as a politician, he said one doesn’t have to run for office to make a positive impact on people.

“I encourage you all to be the voice in your community, whether that be local, state, federal, your school board or community,” Balderson said. “Be part of the conversation. Show people respect.”

As he answered students’ questions, Balderson continually went back to the idea of surrounding oneself with high-character people. He said raising a family, respecting parents and teachers, and recognizing most of those people are there to improve lives and perpetuate growth in young individuals is something worthwhile in life, and he said young people need to be fully aware teachers, parents and mentors are pushing them to get better and to grow as capable, well-meaning adults.

“Push your mind and move forward,” Balderson said. “Train yourself to be incomparable.”

For someone who was frightened to death to step into politics, Balderson said accepting the challenge has been one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

He said the reason for that is he has been able to try to fix challenges other people are facing, and he said everyone can take on challenges like that daily in both big and small ways.

“You need to learn to accept the challenges placed in front of you,” Balderson said.

Josh Jarvis, social studies teacher at GHS, said he recently connected with Garaway graduate Joel Miller, who is now a lobbyist. He connected Jarvis with Balderson, and that created the opportunity to share with the students.

He said it was an opportunity for the students to gain insight into the daily life of a congressman and to hear the message for them to strive to achieve.

“These opportunities don’t happen often, so we jumped at the chance to have him come in and speak,” Jarvis said. “It’s a great message for the students to hear.”

Balderson currently serves on the Ohio House Transportation Committee and House Agriculture Committee.