No, it wasn’t her love of skiing that drew Petra Deffenbaugh to enroll at the University of Colorado last year. And yes, this 19-year-old did ski competitively during her years at Ridge High School, but the sport was definitely not her college choice influencer.

The size of CU’s student government budget is what attracted Petra. It’s the largest in the nation. The student-centered campus culture, with its many, diverse student organizations (supported by university staff, advisors, operating resources and budgets) and its elected student legislative council, perfectly captured her mind and spirit. She wanted to build on the skills she acquired at Ridge working with the Ridge High School Democrats and serving as the student liaison to the Board of Education. In her tenure at Ridge, she endured those long and acrimonious BoE meetings. She listened closely, analyzed, and honed her abilities to speak up for her beliefs. She presented accurate student experiences and viewpoints to the board members and the public.

During her first year in college, Petra was delighted to be selected as a Fellow on Sue Altman’s congressional campaign. This fulfilled her commitment to the 2024 national Democracy Summer Fellows program. As a Fellow among other college-aged students, she participated (via Zoom) in seminars, discussions, workshops and conversations with seasoned political figures, activists and campaign managers. The program was founded by Maryland Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin. “Working for Sue was fun, and I saw the value of canvassing and the other campaign tools. Sue always let us know how much she appreciated our work,” Petra said.

Now back with “the Buffs” at CU, whose mascot is the buffalo, she is pursuing her major in philosophy and working on the student legislative council. And yes, she just might get in some skiing during the upcoming season.

Petra is a self-proclaimed Jersey Girl and a dynamic product of her active and politically mixed family (parents and one brother) in Liberty Corner. She enjoys discussions of their divergent opinions because, she says, “Our family love always overcomes any tension.” And yes again, she does have her eye out for law school after graduation, but not for political office. The BTDC will enjoy watching the path this home-grown Democrat takes!

by MJ Walsh