From taking a block off to work on a local campaign as a sophomore, to now working as a constituent services assistant for Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Teddy Weiss ’21 has learned the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity he comes across and staying committed to his goals.
Weiss, a former Political Science major, met Weiser while attending an event during his sophomore year and was immediately interested in interning with Weiser after learning about the Colorado Attorney General’s internship program.
“I was hooked on AG Weiser’s style and values,” Weiss says. “I was hooked on the office and its role in the state.”
Unfortunately, Weiss was not offered that internship position, which turned out to be a positive thing, as it taught Weiss the importance of timing, patience, and understanding that rejections can be turned into opportunities.
“An important reminder to all current students: not getting your first internship or job is not an indictment of you or your worth; it can often be pure luck, and there are always more opportunities out there,” Weiss says.
Despite the rejection, Weiss continued getting involved with local government. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Weiss was committed to making a positive impact in his hometown.
“I like to say I graduated from Colorado College twice—once from CC Day Care and again in 2021,” Weiss says. “When I applied to CC, I was studying abroad in Europe. I was convinced that I would never go to CC. In 17-year-old speak: going back to CC would be ludicrous. After visiting some colleges on both coasts, I did a 180 and applied early decision to CC. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.”
As a sophomore, Weiss worked as a field director for an at-large city council race. He worked with the Political Science Department to be able to take a block off from CC and earn credit for interning with the campaign. And while his candidate didn’t win, Weiss learned a lot.
Weiss is grateful to the Political Science Department, specifically to his advisor, Dr. Doug Edlin, Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department, who Weiss says was instrumental in both his success as a student at CC and his success now in Colorado politics. Throughout his time on campus, Weiss was active in the Political Science Department, often attending department events and talks, and taking advantage of every opportunity he was offered, both in and out of the classroom. He was committed to challenging himself as a member of the Mock Trial team, helping run CC Democrats, and working on several other projects that he says didn’t go anywhere, but taught him a lot about himself and how to push forward when facing disappointments.
“One project was developing a student statewide task force to increase youth voting with the Secretary of State’s Office,” he says. “We got a meeting with Secretary Griswold and built a task force, but it didn’t go anywhere. Another time I tried to start a mentoring bridge between CC, local school districts, and businesses. I met with the Superintendent of D11 and developed this grand plan, but it didn’t go anywhere. The best advice for any young person: pick something so you can change it. Get involved in whatever interests and challenges you, but don’t be afraid to jump ship at the right time if it doesn’t feel right. Just commit to getting right back into whatever excites you!”
As a senior, Weiss used a block to serve as the campaign manager for the re-election campaign of then-City Council President Richard Skorman ’75.
“Because our race wasn’t a heated toss-up, I spent a lot of my time working on other district races, including running a PAC and issue committee,” Weiss says about Skorman’s re-election campaign. “It was surreal: the height of COVID, a campaign HQ run out of a disheveled college house with five other guys, and at the tail-end of my college career. I went from class to campaign calls to card games almost every night. Besides the endless games of Hearts, the other greatest part about it was having mentors in my life—talking to Richard on his famous walks as Council President to meeting with truly dedicated public servants from across the community at a young age—who showed me the multitude of ways people impact our lives without us even knowing.”
In Fall 2021, Edlin forwarded Weiss an application to join Weiser’s re-election campaign. Weiss applied immediately and was thrilled to be offered the job.
“After graduating from CC, by the time I applied for Phil’s re-election, not only had I better positioned myself with new lines on the resume and skills to prove it, but I had a few folks who went to bat for me—and, most importantly, a college advisor, Doug Edlin, who took the time out of his day to send the application my way in the off chance I would apply,” says Weiss. “It’s something I’m incredibly grateful for and try to pass on whenever I can, as those relationships not only make the work enjoyable but can be the difference maker.”
Weiss believes that in addition to the Political Science Department, his overall liberal arts experience at CC set him up for success and allowed him to flourish while working towards his passion of bettering his home state.
“This work should be a very humbling experience,” Weiss says. “You learn so much. But if you also treat public service like a liberal arts experience—learning about all the different perspectives of business, non-profit, intergovernmental agencies, and advocates —it can be a real treat, too. The common thread is that they are all there to solve problems. Working with so many people from all walks of life enables you to grow as a person, as well as nurture relationships with insightful and well-meaning community members who offer valuable and needed perspectives. I would strongly encourage all current students to consider working in government after graduating.”
Weiss has continued to stay in touch with his peers and professors from CC, and in October 2023, Weiss and Weiser were guest speakers in Edlin’s class, Comparative Law.
“It was the same block I took at CC, and it was incredibly meaningful to go back to my old class with my new boss,” Weiss says.
Weiss has now worked for Weiser since April 2022 and his days are long but meaningful. Part of Weiss’ job is to travel across Colorado, which means he’s been able to see almost every part of his home state.
“It’s a very meaningful aspect of the job: ensuring people across the state feel heard, that they know their elected official cares, and that we take their perspective with great weight. It is the best part of the job. There’s a frequent quote in the office from Teddy Roosevelt: Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”