On Oct. 1 U.S. Rep. Ami Bera met with students in grades nine through 12 as part of his ongoing “Congress in the Classroom” series. Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Ami Bera’s Office

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Artificial intelligence, inflation, immigration and the future of work all landed on the same classroom agenda Thursday, Oct. 1at Cordova High School.

U.S. Rep. Ami Bera met with students in grades nine through 12 as part of his ongoing “Congress in the Classroom” series, answering questions and discussing government, current events and the role young people can play in civic life.

“These students are the future,” Bera said. “It’s important that we actually hear what their concerns are.”

Rather than delivering a traditional presentation, Bera spent much of the hour in conversation with students, fielding questions on topics ranging from the branches of government and checks and balances to tariffs, immigration, the Middle East and inflation.

He also spoke extensively about artificial intelligence and how rapidly advancing technology could affect education, health care and the jobs students may pursue in the future.

“AI is moving incredibly fast,” Bera said. “We need to create a regulatory environment.”

Bera said artificial intelligence has the potential to assist with discoveries and improve fields such as medicine but argued that safeguards are also needed as the technology develops.

“We do want the good parts of AI, but we should understand the dangers as well,” he said.

Cordova High School teachers and staff gather with U.S. Rep. Ami Bera (fourth from left) following his “Congress in the Classroom” visit. Photo by Ornella Rossi

His background as a physician also came into the discussion. Bera told students that medicine taught him the importance of listening and understanding different perspectives, skills he said carry over into public service.

“I think being a doctor actually makes me a much better congressman,” Bera said. “To be a good doctor, you have to listen, you have to be empathetic and understanding.”

Cordova High School Assistant Principal Deborah Zwicker-Sobrepena said the conversational format helped students engage with the visit.

“The students really appreciate how this was all basically a conversation,” Zwicker-Sobrepena said. “It wasn’t an adult, high official just talking at them, but talking with them.”

She said the experience also helped reinforce that students’ opinions and participation matter, particularly as they approach voting age.

Bera repeatedly encouraged students to become involved, whether through student government, internships or eventually voting in local, state and federal elections.

“Regardless of who you vote for, what party you’re in, if you don’t vote, you lose your voice in our democracy,” he said.

Bera also addressed how education and career preparation may change as technology transforms the workforce. He told students that future opportunities may depend increasingly on the skills they develop rather than following one traditional path.

“The American dream in the 21st century is probably going to be different than the American dream that I grew up with,” Bera said.

Despite uncertainty surrounding technology, politics and the economy, Bera ended the discussion with a message aimed directly at the students.

“I want all of you to be optimistic about your future,” he said.