Over my lifetime, I’ve had many different jobs. While I worked in business for many years, I have always been drawn to public service—especially when I realized the opportunities I had before me as the Chief Executive Officer of the investment bank Goldman Sachs. Since then, working for the government, and above all the public, has provided me with a true sense of fulfillment. I particularly wanted to be the Governor of New Jersey because I hoped to improve life for its residents by creating economic opportunity and by improving education, healthcare, and the environment. I believed that as Governor, combining my business experience and my policy experience as a Senator, I could bring positive changes to New Jersey, the state I have lived in and loved for more than 30 years.

This job certainly isn’t an easy one, but I do love it! Above all, I really like the fact that, as Governor, I can directly affect and improve people’s lives. The discussions and debates I have on a daily basis involve real lives, not abstract or far-off concepts. It is exciting to know that the policies and changes that I am fighting for now could benefit New Jersey for years to come—long after I stop working. I also love that I have been afforded the opportunity to meet and learn from so many intelligent and intriguing people across our great state.

Not wearing my seatbelt was a mistake—a dangerous one at that. I was almost killed in my car crash in April 2007, and because of my decision, I lost half of my blood and broke my sternum, collarbone, 12 ribs, and my leg. Since my accident, however, I have made sure to buckle up every time I am in a vehicle and have encouraged others to do the same. I did not set a good example on that day, and I want to do so now. Wearing your seatbelt is one of the easiest and most effective ways for you to protect yourself, so please, make sure to do so whenever you’re on the road.

 

I spent my first week after the crash in intensive care on a ventilator, and then moved to physical therapy two times a day. It was very difficult and often painful. Since my most recent surgery in September of 2007, I have worked hard to regain my strength. Now, I run four to five miles about four or five times a week as a part of my recovery schedule. Running in a race was a goal that I set for myself in my rehabilitation process and I’m proud to say that I completed the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this past May. Trust me, I know how tough it is to motivate yourself to workout every day. But as they always say: “No pain, no gain.” I’m so glad that the time I’ve spent breaking a sweat has truly paid off! Now I feel like I’m in better shape than I was in before the accident.

I believe that kids are the future of a prosperous and successful New Jersey, and I have addressed many aspects of our state with you in mind. Since I believe that education is the key to your success, I have made sure to increase spending on New Jersey schools, even while we are limiting it in other areas. In fact, over one-third of the state’s budget is spent on pre-K—12 education. I have also supported and enacted something called the “family leave insurance” bill. This bill allows your parents to take care of a sick family member—perhaps your baby brother or sister, grandparent, or even you—without having to worry about losing wages from their jobs. I am also fighting to make sure your parents don’t have to pay when you go to the doctor by trying to make sure all children in New Jersey have health insurance. Finally, I have developed the most aggressive goals in the nation for reducing carbon pollution, which creates global warming and will hurt New Jersey’s animal life and our vast shoreline. By addressing it now, the current children of New Jersey—and their children and grandchildren after that—will have a healthier Earth to inherit.

I’ve found that events in life won’t always go as planned, but oftentimes that’s for the best. You will have many opportunities in your life—some that you’ve worked hard for and others that are unanticipated. It is important to take advantage of both. I unexpectedly made a full recovery from my car accident, and was blessed with the opportunity to continue to enjoy my family and friends, and to serve New Jersey. I am sincerely grateful for this, and have tried to cherish it. I have found that appreciating and learning from the events that occur in your life will make you a stronger and happier person.

Being a Governor is a 24/7 job, so I don’t have much free time. When I do, however, I like to go down the shore—there’s nothing better than walking on the Boardwalk or taking in some sun on New Jersey beaches! I enjoy going to concerts whenever I can, and I most recently saw Bruce Springsteen. Also, I really love sports—whether it’s watching our Super Bowl Champion Giants, or attending a Rutgers women’s basketball game.

There are so many aspects of New Jersey that make it distinctive and wonderful. From our ample history, as one of the original 13 colonies, to our long and beautiful shoreline—this state is truly special. Not only are we home to national landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and tremendous wildlife, but we are first in the nation in electronics, scientific research, and education. We have the second-highest high school graduation rate in the United States, and the test scores of you children rank New Jersey among the top five states in just about every category in every grade. With our rich culture, remarkable achievements, and our wonderful people, there is no doubt in my mind that we should be proud to live in New Jersey.

I’m actually working on that right now. New Jersey has the fourth-highest debt in the nation, and we are required to pay tens of thousands of people who used to work for the state government—this all means we owe a lot of money. I’m trying to make sure that we don’t spend more money than we earn, so we can pay off these obligations. This great burden means that we can’t use our money on all kinds of things that I think are important for the future of New Jersey—like health care and better roads, bridges, and train lines—so we need to fix this as soon as we can. The people of New Jersey deserve a government that can provide for their needs, and I’m fighting to make sure that happens.

I have to say, having the opportunity to live in the Governor’s Mansion truly is a perk of the job! Located in Princeton, the beautiful mansion is called Drumthwacket. I appreciate that there is so much history in the building—it’s actually located on the site of the 1777 Princeton battle for American Independence, and William Penn once owned it. (You should look up his fascinating biography if you have a chance.) My favorite part about living in the mansion is that there always seems to be something interesting going on there—whether it’s fundraisers for cancer research, or celebrations honoring all types of people, like the top 50 business women in New Jersey. It is also great to see so many kids come out to our Easter Egg Hunt held on the lawn each year!

I find myself traveling to Washington D.C. about once every month or two. Typically, I go there to press Congress for the things that people in New Jersey need—whether it’s healthcare, or money for roads and bridges, or public safety. But because I used to be a Senator down there, I have a lot of friends in Washington, and sometimes I visit them when I’m in the area for a policy trip.

Regardless of your age—young or old—I believe that everyone can impact our government. The first step is to become aware of policies and issues in our state, since they do affect you, after all. Just searching on this website shows that you are interested, but you can also learn more by simply watching the news or reading the newspaper. After that, find a topic that you care about—whether it’s maintaining New Jersey’s environment, or improving schools and education around the state. If there is something that you disagree with, want to change, or think should be improved, it’s up to you to spread the word and take action. From starting a school club, to fundraising, to writing your elected leaders or your local newspaper, the possibilities for becoming involved are infinite. Kids are the future lawmakers, policy crafters, and citizens of New Jersey—and it’s never too early to start!