Very few students can say they’ve served two military tours in Iraq.

Then again, not many people have held the title of Student Government president.

And to add to that list, not many students have run for state representative.

David Knezek, Jr. has done all three, and he’s still in his 20s.

“I strongly believe that part of being a good leader includes the acceptance of the fact that you aren’t perfect and you don’t know everything,” David said. “This means acknowledging what your weaknesses are and then having the humility to reach out to those who are better than you. I know that my military background undoubtedly plays a large role in the kind of leader that I am and drives me to try and improve the lives of others on our campus and in the community.”

That leadership earned him the title of “Difference Maker.”

Aside from balancing his campaign, Student Government and classes, he also plays an integral role in the Political Science Association, an organization he helped establish in 2010.

And as David pursues his political aspirations, education remains a priority, as he someday plans to earn a master’s or doctoral degree.

“My dream career would be one in which I am able to advocate for the issues pertaining to every level of education,” he said. “If I ever were to reach the point where I felt that I was done learning or that someone had impacted me in the most powerful and absolute way possible, I would know that I am doing something wrong. That is the beauty of this institution: an ongoing, collaborative effort to improve the lives of every person on this campus.”

Many UM-Dearborn administrators commend David for his work as Student Government president.

“David has truly been an inspiration to work with for a variety of reasons,” said Jonathan Larson, student affairs program manager.