I wish there were more middle ground. Americans have an unreal expectation that they can somehow solve political questions without practicing politics. But it won't do you much good to prepare for a lucrative career if the polity in which you live is falling apart because citizens refuse to take part in their own governance. It's a tragedy because there was a time when we used to feel government could work for people. Stanford students probably have a more positive outlook.
People talk up public service on campus.
But even though Stanford students may have a different attitude, they're not immune from the national trends. I was surprised to hear about the political apathy. I don't think it applies to the freshmen I've encountered here. I'm definitely interested in politics, and other freshmen are much more knowledgeable than I am. I run into a lot of people who have worked for senators or are interested in pursuing government careers.