Two recent University graduates didn't jump right into the work force after graduation. They didn't decide to tour Europe, and they didn't decide to take some time to "find themselves."
Harold Ford Jr. and Chris Schmitt started running for political office even before they finished classes.
Schmitt, a 24-year-old Republican, graduated in August with degrees in political science and economics. When he completed his studies, he had already been on the campaign trail for several months, although almost accidentally.
Schmitt said he became a lot more involved than he initially intended. In fact, today he is running as the Republican candidate for state House against incumbent state Rep. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) in Michigan's 53rd district.
"I thought I'd be licking an envelope, and the next thing you know I've been given a forum to get my ideas out to the public and a chance at representing a large group," Schmitt said.
The lifelong Michiganian ran unopposed in the August primary elections, which Schmitt said was a very good thing, because he was rather busy academically at that time.
"I had a French final right at primary time," he said.
Schmitt said he has received "vast amounts of encouragement" from the Republican party.
"They're very supportive of getting young people involved," Schmitt said.
The party's support has not been monetary, Schmitt said. "I haven't gotten financial support, but I haven't asked for it," he said.
Even without much financial support, Schmitt said he wanted to become involved so he could work on real change.
Schmitt credits his family for motivating his candidacy. He said that after years of being taught by his parents to help others, he is ready for the commitment of public service.
"I don't know everything but I have real drive and a lot of energy," Schmitt said.
Ford, a 26-year-old Democrat, graduated from the University's Law School in May. He never expected to be licking envelopes because he's already done that for years - his father, U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Sr. (D-Tenn.), holds the office for which the younger Ford is now running.
The elder Ford is retiring this year from the U.S. House seat he has held for the past 22 years. His son seeks to fill his father's shoes.
"I've wanted to do this since I was four years old," Ford said.
Ford grew up in and around politics. He has four uncles who are either presently or formerly elected officials. Ford said his political family has taught him the value of public service and instilled in him the desire to help others.
"Public service runs in the blood," Ford said. "I know government is an ally, not an enemy."
Ford has plenty of his own experience in Washington. He worked on President Clinton's transition team and on his campaign, and as a special assistant to the late Commerce Secretary Ron Brown.
He sees his youth as an advantage, Ford said. "I know my history and I recall that the great movements of the past were led by youth," he said.
"It's time for our generation to have a voice on the political scene," he said. "It doesn't matter whether you're 26, 36, 46 or 56 - you're still a freshman when you get to (Washington, D.C.)."
Ford said he takes his campaign very seriously. He said he has been very committed to it for several months.
During his last 15 weeks of Law School, Ford followed a very hectic schedule. He said he would attend class from Monday morning through Wednesday at noon before driving to Detroit Metro Airport. He would then fly home to Tennessee and campaign there for the rest of Wednesday until Sunday - only to fly back to Michigan late on Sunday nights.
Ford said he flew home after finishing exams and returned for graduation. He then flew back to campaign a few hours later.
Many prominent Democrats are standing up in support of Ford. The Rev. Jesse Jackson and Vice President Al Gore both campaigned with Ford last weekend.
Ford said he is also getting a lot of support from his classmates. He said eight or nine of his Law School classmates have come to Tennessee to work on his campaign. He said some of his undergraduate and high school classmates are also lending helping hands.
While at the University, Ford received advice from John Matlock, director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives and the former campaign manager for Ford's father.
Matlock said that if elected, Ford will be the second youngest member of Congress in history and one of a very few minority members.
"He is a very bright young man, very principled and very likable," Matlock said. "He's always willing to help people and to go the extra step."
Ford has a modest lead in the polls over Republican candidate Rod DeBerry going into today's election.