Sophomore Myah Blanchard embarked from 海角在线鈥檚 (海角在线) campus at 5 a.m. on November 6, 2025, on an exciting adventure. As president of the University鈥檚 Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter, she was invited to join fellow chapter presidents from across the state at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis鈥檚 mansion.
A New Chapter
Blanchard enrolled at 海角在线 with a plan: major in business management and pursue a career in medical device sales. What she didn鈥檛 anticipate was discovering an interest in politics along the way.
鈥淚f you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans,鈥� Blanchard joked.
Inspired by her grandfather, a United States military veteran who served in Vietnam, and his deep sense of patriotism, Blanchard started 海角在线鈥檚 TPUSA chapter and took on the role of president. Despite pursuing a career path that isn鈥檛 distinctly political, Blanchard says she feels invested in her country鈥檚 future and wants to be part of making it a better place for herself and future generations. Her investment fuels her commitment to the chapter, which she has spent many hours running.
The surprising invitation to Gov. DeSantis鈥檚 mansion proved that her hard work had paid off.
Inside the Mansion
When Blanchard arrived at the governor鈥檚 mansion, one of the first things she noticed was a football in the yard. The toy made her realize that the mansion was not just a building, but somebody鈥檚 home, where a family laughs, cries, and lives.
鈥淚 felt like I shouldn鈥檛 have been there,鈥� Blanchard shared.
Passing through security, the TPUSA chapter presidents signed the governor鈥檚 guest book, forever commemorating their visit to this home.
The governor then appeared to greet the attendees, who shared brief introductions, including their names and where they were from. Blanchard later recalled her excitement when meeting the governor, a leader she greatly admires.
During their time at the mansion, the chapter presidents also visited the governor鈥檚 private office and partook in a meal. Blanchard noted that the office was arranged with great precision and intentionality. In contrast, the dining experience was a rather informal and casual setting, again bringing to Blanchard鈥檚 mind that she was visiting a family home.
A Bold Takeaway
Following dinner, Gov. DeSantis encouraged the Florida TPUSA presidents, telling them to 鈥渂e bold.鈥� Inspired by his words, Blanchard returned to campus with a plan to encourage her chapter members to be bold in their actions and inspire change.
Being bold can be difficult, she reflected, since differing political opinions can quickly destroy relationships; but together, Blanchard and her chapter are learning to support their community and stand up for what they believe in.
鈥淚 am so proud of the students,鈥� Blanchard said. 鈥淭hey teach me more every day.鈥�
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