Thank you! I'm excited to be part of the class. Many prospective candidates underestimate the importance of developing a clear, authentic message that resonates with voters. They may know why they want to run, but translating that into a compelling case for why others should support them takes practice. Another common challenge is building a strong campaign organization—recruiting volunteers, fundraising, managing time effectively, and creating a realistic campaign plan. Candidates also tend to underestimate the importance of community engagement before asking for votes. Building relationships with neighborhood groups, local organizations, business leaders, and community stakeholders is essential. The strongest candidates are often those who spend more time listening than talking and who genuinely understand the issues affecting their constituents. Finally, I'd say resilience is one of the hardest lessons. Campaigns require candidates to handle criticism, adapt quickly, and stay focused despite setbacks. It's a skill that can't really be taught in a single class but is developed through experience and mentorship. It's incredibly rewarding to watch participants grow in confidence throughout the Academy and leave with a much better understanding of both campaigning and public service.