Youth, Young Adults Can Learn Much from Zelenskyy

Every election season politicians campaign on promises they know their constituents want. But, as time tells, many fall short of those pledges.

It's no surprise that the American general public's trust in government officials has plummeted. A Gallup poll found that only 44% of Americans have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in the people holding office.

With our nation more divided than ever before, it's time young adults see a leader who doesn't fall short of their promises. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the politician young adults need today.

When Zelenskyy took office in 2019, he won by a landslide of more than 73% of the votes. However, in the past two years, his approval rating took a downfall to nearly 31% in December of 2021.

Those ratings changed when Russia invaded Ukraine — hitting a high of 90%.

Instead of cowering in a bunker or fleeing for safety as Russia has attacked Ukraine, Zelenskyy has been on the frontlines fighting for the freedom of his country. He's become a beacon of hope for his people and the face of a nation under strife.

Zelenskyy has shown young adults what a true leader does in the midst of chaos — fulfilling his pledge as president, uniting a nation and fighting for their rights.

In American history, we saw this with President George W. Bush when he wouldn't stand down to the terrorist organizations that marred Sept. 11. Bush used a moment of tragedy to unify our broken nation.

In a joint statement to Congress and the nation on Sept. 20, Bush said, "I will not forget the wound to our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people."

Bush saw the highest job approval rating for a U.S. president in history after the terrorist attacks at 90%. Prior to that, Bush's rating was at 51%.

In a similar fashion, Zelenskyy has posted videos on social media and has spoken at worldwide events to fight for his people's rights and freedom. He's on the streets of Ukraine, drinking coffee with members of the military and visiting people in hospitals.

Zelenskyy has instilled hope in his people that their democracy won't falter under threats.

At the end of his inauguration speech in 2019, Zelenskyy said, "All my life I tried to do all I could so that Ukrainians laughed. That was my mission. Now I will do all I can so that Ukrainians at least do not cry any more."

And, he's given everything to keep that promise.

A comedian turned politician has inspired millions with his bravery. It isn't the first time that history has seen an actor turned politician lead with dignity and strength.

In his inaugural speech in 1981, President Ronald Reagan said, "As for the enemies of freedom, those who are potential adversaries, they will be reminded that peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, now or ever."

Reagan never backed down from securing that freedom and fighting against the threats to it during the Cold War. Reagan was a president who used the challenges the U.S. faced to unite the country and work toward its best interests.

Zelenskyy knows firsthand how difficult it is to keep those freedoms alive.

In an address to the U.S. Congress in March, Zelenskyy said, "Russia has attacked not just us, not just our land, not just our cities. It went on a brutal offensive against our values, basic human values."

He went on to say, "It threw tanks and planes against our freedom, against our right to live freely in our own country, choosing our own future, against our desire for happiness, against our national dreams, just like the same dreams you have, you Americans."

When Zelenskyy became president, he told his country to take down his portrait in their offices and hang up photos of their kids. He wanted them to get a glimpse of their children before they made a decision, knowing their choices would affect their children's futures.

Today, Zelenskyy and all of the people of Ukraine know what they are fighting for. They understand the price and weight of freedom.

They recognize that if they give in, they could lose the country they love and the individual rights they've struggled for.

What young adults need to see today are politicians who won't waver under pressure, but who will rather uphold what is best for their country.

It shouldn't take a national war to see the true values of a politician. But, if anything, young adults should recognize the magnitude of their votes, and how elections can alter the future of a nation.

Young adults need to ask themselves: When the going gets tough, will the politicians they vote into office stand up for the rights of the American people or cave to outside pressures?

Dr. Kent Ingle serves as the president of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, one of the fastest growing private universities in the nation. A champion of innovative educational design, Ingle is the author of "Framework Leadership.'' Read Kent Ingle's Reports — More Here.