Nicolas Suarez (CAS’21, Pardee’21) on BU’s Instagram

bostonu #TerrierTuesdays: By all accounts, Nicolas Suarez (CAS’21, Pardee’21) is an incredibly accomplished sophomore – but if you ask him, he’s just getting started. The Port St. Lucie, FL native came to BU to study both political science and international relations and has aspirations of one day holding the most powerful seat in politics: President of the United States. He got his first taste for politics in 8th grade when he joined the Students Working Against Tobacco in his home state. @NSuarez1999 was inspired to join after seeing the health impacts smoking had on his own mother, who brought the habit with her from her native Colombia. What began as advocacy events and presentations at schools across Florida grew into a national role, where Suarez served as Youth Advocate of the Year for the southern region. In this role, he got to lobby in Washington D.C. with his home state senators to stop the tobacco industry’s misleading labeling efforts.

But that work didn’t stop when he came to BU. As a freshman, Suarez took the initiative of attending a town hall rally held by MA Senator Edward Markey in nearby Lowell. “I was familiar with his work standing up to Big Tobacco and wanted to meet him in person to tell him how much I appreciated that,” he says. One commuter rail ride later, Suarez had an internship offer from a Markey staffer. He spent the spring of his freshman year in the Senator’s office handling constituent cases, and became especially helpful in speaking with Puerto Rican residents displaced from Hurricane Maria as the only Spanish speaker on staff.

Suarez is continuing in the Senator’s office this semester, where he’s particularly energized around issues of immigration and healthcare. This summer, he was recognized for his contributions with the U.S. Congressional Award, traveling to D.C. for the ceremony. When he’s not talking politics, you can find him cheering on @RealMadrid or Team Colombia. His message to his fellow Terriers? “Keep doing what you’re doing. The people at BU are doing incredible things. And, if you ever see me walking down the sidewalk, say ‘hi’. I’m very outgoing and would love to talk!”