We all know that kid in our politics class who sounds like a Kennedy-in-training. This smug over-achiever loves to talk about where he/she has interned, has a ten year plan, makes at least three self-righteous comments per class, and might even give you a little wink while shaking your hand (using two hands, naturally).

Alec Foster, sophomore, is not that kind of politically active student. He’s the type of person who can talk about politics and making change at NYU without inducing spontaneous eye rolls and vomiting. NYU Local says – Foster for Office by 2020.

Foster is involved with more extracurricular groups at NYU than the Local staff combined. He acts as the publicity chair of Steinhardt’s Undergraduate Student Government organization, peer advises new student seminars at Steinhardt, and has started a group to promote safer skateboarding in NYC called SCARS (Skateboarders for Car and Road Safety), and his main project is revitalizing NYU’s chapter of the Student’s for Sensible Drug Policy, where he serves as co-President.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is a national grassroots campaign (pun unintended) that seeks “to reduce the harms caused by drug abuse and drug policies,” explains Foster. The group strives to mobilize and empower students to participate in the political process in hopes that there will better drug-related policies in the future, specifically “counterproductive” policies that can harm students.

Foster says that when he arrived at NYU, he heard that there was a chapter of the organization at Washington Square Park, but could find no remnants of it. “We basically built ourselves from the ground up.”

Foster and co-President Lizzy Kinnard are taking on a big challenge, as the number cause of arrest in New York City is low-level marijuana possession. Students “should not have to deal with [these arrests],” said Foster, “and it’s SSDP’s goal to make New York a safer and more just environment.”

SSDP does not encourage or criticize drug use, but its goal is to promote “an open communication with students so they know what they’re risking when they use drugs.” NYU has an image of being a pot-smoking school, and therefore the administration might view the topic as taboo. “I mean they’re even contending with Princeton Review that once said NYU was a big drug school,” said Foster. “They have an image to challenge, but that doesn’t mean the dialogue about the issue should cease.”

Even in more liberal communities, like the Village, marijuana-use is still an act that can get students into trouble. Foster knows this, and has began hosting information sessions that help educate students about their legal rights in case they do find themselves in trouble.

Say, for example, a police officer attempts to stop a student for possible marijuana possession. While the officer has the right to inquire, he does not have the right to stop and frisk unless he or she has probable cause. Probable cause, Foster highlights, is a vague term which officer might find loopholes in. Foster recommended that the student should say, “I do not consent to a search.” If the officer then tries to pressure the student by asking why they do not consent, the best reply is to say “I respect my constitutional rights.”

If the officer does notice evidence of marijuana – say a roach – he can search the student, but if he finds marijuana that is not in public view, the crime is an infraction and not a misdemeanor. “Marijuana has been decriminalized in New York for many years,” elucidated Foster, “yet not many students know this.”

SSDP educates students about these situations during their information sessions, and can help NYU’ers avoid a sleepover in a precinct (trust Local, it can happen to anyone).

NYU’s chapter of SSDP is growing, with about thirty consistent members, and seven officers. “I think we’ve had pretty good feedback from the student body here,” Foster said. “Especially when I talk to members of other chapters, they say they only have five to ten members. I think it reflects how NYU students feel that the group is more relevant in a city like NYU.”

The Steinhardt sophomore obviously keeps himself busy, and has even taken a break from previous hobbies such as modeling. While his looks might help him in a future political career, it’s his all-consuming passion that makes Foster a respectable political activist.

The term “passion” is thrown about so easily in today’s society, but Foster genuinely embodies the term to its fullest. He is the quintessence of earnestness. The student has no definitive career goal in mind, he’s not trying to capture our votes, and he never makes peers feel guilty for not being as motivated. He attends rallies, such as Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity, simply because that’s what he likes to do.

NYU Local does not want to act like too much of a fanboy, but Alec Foster is the kind of kid who represents the best of NYU. We’re surprised his photo is not included in various recruitment brochures. Although Foster might never attempt a political career, we are positive that he will be on the ever-growing list of impressive alumni. If he does ever choose to run for office, Local will be first at the voting booths.