Miles Dillingham
Major:
Political Science
Hometown:
Oak Park, CA
What are your campus involvements?
President and founder of the Young Democrats at SSU, 2026 participant in the Oxford University Consortium on Human Rights, participant in the Political Science (POLS) 250 seminar on Genocide Prevention, and a goalie for the SSU men’s lacrosse team.
What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU?
My favorite academic experience at SSU was participating in the 2024 IT MATTERS series as part of POLS 484. Each student was assigned a ballot measure in California’s 2024 election and tracked its campaign finance in coordination with the LWV. We presented our findings on who was giving what to whom, and importantly, why. I was assigned Proposition 4, a seemingly innocent ballot measure, but quickly discovered what was motivating its donors. Behind all of the noise the money tells the real story, one where nonprofits buy access to government money.
What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it?
Before I came here, I was practicing with the UCLA Men's Lacrosse team, where their coach gave me an idea that has stuck with me throughout my college experience: "College has three aspects— your academics, your social life, and your extracurriculars— there is only time for two of them." I have had these words of wisdom on my mind since that day, but perhaps foolishly, I have always made an effort to live all three aspects. In general, I agree with Coach Turkheimer. However, with enough determination, passion, and importantly, discipline, I have found a way to maintain all three. Developing a work ethic for grinding and learning to manage time efficiently have been my greatest lessons here at SSU. There are more things to love in the world than there is time to do them, so developing strategies around prioritization, time management, and remaining steadfast in commitments are essential. Coach Hewitt has been instrumental in my development, helping me learn to be in Sacramento lobbying one day, practicing the next, and keeping up in class. There is indeed time to get to everything, as long as you are privileged enough and driven enough to work at it.
What brought you to SSU, and what motivates you to stay?
I was brought to SSU by two guys I had played lacrosse with since 3rd grade. I wasn’t sure I wanted to play college ball, but it was them, the coaches, and the guys on the team that made me realize this school was where I wanted to be. After participating in NMUN my freshman year, I started the Young Democrats at SSU. Through the extensive work that the club has done I have met incredible people who have given me a home away from home in Southern California. There is a brewing movement in Sonoma County that rejects the decrees of corporate interests, one that is led by and for the people. I can feel the ability to build our future within grasp, and cannot wait to be part of that fight.
Who at SSU has influenced you and/or made an impact on your journey here?
Dr. McCuan has been the most influential professor for me in my time at SSU. It was in his POLS 484 class that my views of the political landscape began developing. His teaching emphasizes learning real skills. Beyond the classroom, it is obvious he cares for his students. I have seen him invite students who have nowhere to go over for Thanksgiving, drop primetime media appearances to support student events, and expend his own political capital to support students however needed. Dr. McCuan is an inspiration to all students in the political space.
Coach Ben Hewitt from the men’s lacrosse team has drilled into me and countless other young men what it means to wear the words “blue collar” on our jersey. It means doing the work for your community that nobody else will do, when they need you to do it. Without his guidance and steadfast support, I would be nowhere near the person I am today.