Rep. Gregg Harper recounts leadership lessons at Boys State visit

Contact: Allison Matthews

Third District Congressman Gregg Harper was at Mississippi State on Memorial Day [May 26] to share his leadership experiences with more than 380 rising high school seniors on campus for Boys State.

Harper said the students who have come from across Mississippi to learn about state and local government and the electoral process are truly the future leaders likely to have influence in the fields of politics, medicine, banking, military service and other areas.

Mississippi State was selected in 2013 as the host campus through 2015 for Mississippi's American Legion Boys State, the nation's premier program for teaching how government works, developing leadership skills and nurturing an appreciation for the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

"I hope it gives practical leadership concepts that I wish I had heard when I was their age," Harper said.

Harper, who was first elected in 2008, has lived in the Third District since 1972 and currently resides in Pearl with wife Sidney and children Livingston and Maggie.

Before entering Congress, he practiced law for 27 years, including service as prosecuting attorney for the cities of Brandon and Richland.

Harper talked about his personal history, including his experiences growing up of moving frequently with his family and about his decision to become a Christian when he was in the 10th grade.

"The older you get, the more you'll realize that God indeed directs your paths," Harper said.

He also shared some of his personal passions which have influenced some of his political actions, such as advocating for individuals who have special needs. He introduced his own son, Livingston Harper, who is a recent graduate of MSU's ACCESS Program for students with intellectual disabilities.

"I bet each one of you knows families who have someone with special needs. Reach out, be a friend. I encourage you to do that," Harper said.

The congressman said he had learned from an old fable a lesson that is particularly applicable to politicians, "He who seeks to please everybody, pleases nobody."

Harper encouraged his audience to make active decisions about how to use their time. He illustrated his point by saying simply playing games on cell phones for ten minutes a day can add up to equal more than seven 8-hour work days at the end of a year.

He also stressed the importance of proper communication. Harper said there is more than one way to communicate the same thought, and "how you say it matters."

He urged the boys to pursue their dreams even though some of their friends may say they can't do it.

"Be in charge of setting your boat in the direction you need to go," he said.

Harper advised the boys to look beyond propaganda for truth as they make informed decisions.

The audience had the opportunity to ask questions of Harper before he concluded. Boys asked a range of questions, from how to apply for congressional internships to about how Harper's values influenced his actions in politics.

One of his final words of wisdom to his young audience concerned dating.

"When you're dating, treat her the way you're going to want somebody to treat your daughter," Harper said.

For more information about Boys State, visit www.msboysstate.com. For more information about MSU, visit www.msstate.edu.