Phil Hussey knows a thing or two about community. The sophomore Government major from Kennebunk, Maine is involved in almost every aspect of life at Colby: athletic, residential, social, and political. He is a member of the newly re-formed sailing team, a member of the Student Government Association (SGA), and a COOT leader. He is currently the dorm president for Leonard, and is also my next-door neighbor. Waking down the hallway, it is hard to miss the giant “COOT leader” sign pinned up next to his name. Right beneath the small black cardboard cutout is a note in black dry erase maker, left by his own COOT brothers and sisters: “EARL’S GANG for life!!” As both a participant and a leader, Phil is the ultimate member of the Colby community.
He’s also done some pretty interesting work off campus. Over JanPlan, Phil stayed home and worked in Portland for a non-profit organization called “One Maine.” Run by Eliot Cutler, former Independent candidate for Maine governor, “One Maine” is a Political Action Committee (PAC) that works to fund moderate candidates for positions in the state legislature. “Cutler really wants to support not just moderate candidates, but candidates who are willing to work across the isle in the Maine legislature.” The internship was unpaid, but a valuable experience nonetheless. Phil’s political involvement extends to campus as well.
As Leonard Dorm President, Phil is responsible for offering residents a voice in student government. “A lot of times, students don’t know that they can enact policy change just by talking to their representative. I’m here to make sure that my residents have to opportunity to be heard if they want.” Phil also works with Community Advisors to put on dorm events and foster general dorm community. Phil, however, remains humble. When I asked to interview him he told me, puzzled, that he would be glad to oblige but that he did not think I would have much to say about him. I think our HC readers might beg to disagree. So many vital parts of life at Colby have to do with community: we are a small school, in rural Maine. As a sophomore I am able to at least recognize, if not know personally, most of the people I see walking by every day. Anyone who has a hand in furthering the sense of community on the hill is a celebrity, no matter what they might think!