When Student Government Senate candidate Patrick Esfeller turned 20 years old, SG presidential candidate Chris Odinet was only 10.
Now even though 10 years separate the two student leaders, they are both running under Odinet’s “The Difference” ticket.
Esfeller, 31-year-old political science sophomore running for Arts and Sciences senator, is a divorced father of three girls – two of whom are living with him. He said Kaylei, 10, Emmi, 3, and Gracie, 2, inspire him to work diligently to make a better future for their family.
“I would say that I’m pretty unique,” Esfeller said with a laugh.
On the surface he might not seem to fit in with other candidates, but his passion for issues affecting students gives them common ground, Esfeller said.
As a transfer student from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Esfeller said he immediately looked for ways to positively change the University’s campus when he arrived in the summer of 2005.
“I love LSU. I wanted to get involved,” Esfeller said. “Everyone tells me I’m a natural-born leader.”
It was those leadership qualities that grabbed Odinet’s attention at a make-shift call center organized in the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse during Hurricane Katrina.
“[His ambition] really shocked me,” Odinet said. “He’s very engaging and very friendly. He’s an outstanding candidate.”
Esfeller then joined the College of Arts and Sciences Council as an at-large member and accepted an invitation to join Odinet’s ticket.
In addition to Esfeller’s full-time roles as both a student and father, he also works part-time at the Public Policy Research Lab and serves as secretary of Single Parents of LSU. The organization provides a discussion place for single parents who might not normally meet other single parents.
“I want older, non-traditional students to have a voice,” Esfeller said. “I want to make sure LSU stays a beautiful campus.”
And when election day comes Wednesday, Esfeller said he wants students to know that his age will not hamper his ability to serve.
“You’re only as old as you feel,” Esfeller said.
 
Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]