Twins, Josh and Colleen Bedingfield have been elected year after year for President and Vice President of the Class of 2021. Throughout their service in student government, they have fundraised and set up events. But, the two gained more than just money for prom. The Bedingfields have gained experience, confidence, and a strong interest in politics. 

The pair both ran for class office freshman year on a whim that maybe they would be elected. Josh initially was hesitant to even run, but his mother and sister Colleen encouraged him to give it a try. On the day of the election, the two passed in their speeches. Colleen knew that Josh delivered a winning speech, but she wasn’t so sure about her own chances. “Josh had a good speech so everyone kinda thought he was going to be president, but I did not expect to become vice president.”  When the results came out, it was settled–the class of 2021 had a president and vice president who were twins.  

School Politics at the Dinner Table

Diving deeper into their relationship being twins as President and Vice President, the two often find themselves talking about the class office at the dinner table. Josh and Colleen found it very convenient to work with their sibling. They found themselves walking into the other’s room to talk about decision-making for prom. Even collaborating on ideas was easier because the two knew each other so well, and there was no hesitation when discussing ideas. Colleen said, “It’s convenient.  We always know what the other one is gonna say, especially cause we know each other well.” Josh agreed to this and he said: “Yeah, I think just in general if you know somebody better, then it’s just easier.  There is less of a social barrier.” Obviously, in every relationship, there are bumps in the road, but overall the butting heads were kept to a minimum. 

Throughout their four years, the Bedingfields were able to find themselves while becoming closer. The two developed a mutual interest in government. On the other hand, they had different leadership roles and were able to find themselves through their position in the class office. Both roles are mainly being a representative for the class of 2021 and having a public voice. 

Adjusting to a Public Role

Having a public role was an adjustment for both Josh and Colleen. Since they were in a position of power when it came to decision-making for the class, Colleen said that random people would come up to her and just ask her things. This, over time, allowed her to feel more comfortable talking to people she wouldn’t normally talk to. Josh said, “Some people may just interact only with your group, but I and Colleen have to interact with all different types of groups and grades.”

Colleen added and she said “Being able to just talk to random people and it made me feel more comfortable cause random people will just come up to me and be like ‘What’s happening with prom?!’ So I have to just feel more comfortable talking to people that I wouldn’t normally talk to.” 

Future Plans 

The pair both want to be a part of politics going forward into college and their careers. 

Josh is going to the University of Texas at Austin for Communication and Leadership. He said “Being in class office and being president, I have had to speak in front of crowds. Or like I have had random people come up to me and ask questions. So it’s helped me find that I enjoy doing things like that and just enjoy talking to people and just working in communications cause that’s what it’s been.”  

Additionally, Colleen is going to Fordham University for Political Science. She said, “Being in the class office made me want to go into politics more…I will probably do student government in college too.”

The Bedingfields have gained experience, confidence, and a strong interest in politics.  With all they have accomplished and learned, it is not surprise that twins Josh and Colleen Bedingfield have been elected year after year for President and Vice President of the Class of 2021.