So much so that when NBC News was looking for a panel of 6 young voters from across the United States to critically assess and articulately express their perspectives on the potential next president of the United States, they selected not one but two Quinnipiac students to participate in two days of nationally broadcast debate coverage this week.

Joy Alino, a senior international business major and accounting and theater double-minor, describes today and tomorrow as “the most significant debates of our lifetime.”

Alino and Alexander Bosio, also a senior international business major, were selected to be part of coverage on NBC News Now this evening and throughout the day tomorrow following extensive pre-interviews.

“I have always had an interest in politics,” she said. “They appreciated my ability to be open to different perspectives and be able to assess what a Republican or Democrat has to offer in terms of economic and social initiatives fairly and objectively.”

Throughout her time at Quinnipiac, Alino has conducted extensive research on prison reform — with special attention devoted to its impact on the African American community.

She has also been involved in the university's interdisciplinary Presidential Fellowship initiative, working this summer with the town government of North Haven, Connecticut.

“It’s been a great opportunity,” she said. “I just love politics and government.”

She’s not sure what she would like to pursue after she graduates next year, but she is considering advanced degrees in law, journalism or political science.

As for these two days of debates, her opinion is much more clear.

“I would really hope the Democratic candidates don’t focus on Donald Trump. We already know who he is and how he acts,” Alino said. “I hope they instead focus on the polices they would like to implement. There are too many candidates and it’s coming off as a joke. It will be interesting to see what each candidate does with their limited time.”

Bosio, who is working this summer in the Hamden, Connecticut town government as part of the university’s Presidential Fellowship program, said he doesn’t like to jump to conclusions before really thinking through what each candidate said first.

A 3+1 accelerated dual-degree student, Bosio will begin his MBA coursework this fall.

He will consider what he has learned as part of his global public health minor when examining how businesses make the economy better while doing what’s best for the people.

“I want to see what Andrew Yang has to say,” Bosio said. “He has a business background with a lot of progressive ideas.”

Like Alino, he is very interested in criminal justice reform — and anticipates that it will be a big part of the debates.

“I am interested in how the candidates use their time,” he said. “It will be indicative of who they are and what kind of president they would be. Will they use their time for shock value or will they go deep into one issue?”

He said he was grateful to the university for exposing him to various perspectives and opportunities — both within and beyond his areas of academic concentration.

“Quinnipiac is an institution that allows you to learn what you want to learn about,” he said. “It’s a school that if you put yourself out there, you can spread your wings and learn what you are curious about."