A unique oopportunity strikes Northern Essex Community College once every four years. With the 2024 presidential election on the rise, this semester students were given the opportunity to embark on a quest for the presidency; a course that explores the process of running for president. 

This course was created by Northern Essex Community College Professor Richard Padova in “2007 as an upper-level, special topic history elective” he said. Padova said he decided to create the Quest for the Presidency course to share his “interest in presidential history, campaigns and elections.” 

In 2008 the course came into full effect and Padova began “teaching it every four years during a presidential election year” he said. 

NECC student Giovanni Cruz said he enrolled in this course not only because a flier on a bulletin board caught his eye, but because he was “curious [to learn how a president] is chosen by the people.” 

Students who enroll in this course can expect to engage in class discussions that analyze the candidates and issues occurring in a specific election year. In addition, students are given an opportunity to “complete three independent projects throughout the semester” that allows them to explore the world of politics beyond the classroom, said Padova. Padova said his “objectives are to help students understand the history of [politics in the U.S.] and how they have changed and evolved over time.” 

His teachings about the quest for the presidency are making an impact on his students.

 Emme Shaw said that she “loves politics” and enrolling in this course has provided her a “better understanding” of the political parties and their views in the United States. The class discussions consist of “formal and mature debates” that offer her a sense of perspective to learn from her classmates, she said. 

Padova said his goal with this course is to reflect his passion for politics on to others and share the “very unique presidential election system in our country” as well as prepare students who chose to vote to do so “by way of an informed decision” in any election.