Op-Ed: THE FUTURE IS BEYOND WHO WE ELECT
Feeling the power of voting is a first for me. While it was my first time voting for a presidential election the day before Election Day, it already feels like the most important one I’ll ever take part in.
This past year commenced a roller coaster of a decade, posed with challenges mostly beyond our control. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdown challenges to nationwide social unrests and lingering deportation cases, our nation has been hurting. What is at stake isn’t the economy or healthcare. Nor is it police reform or immigration. It is our hope that is on the line -- a feeling I would ruminate about the days leading up to Election Day.
I couldn’t help but think back to junior year of high school during my weekly advisory period. This day felt as if a gush of wind swayed away the always-positive energy out of the room. We were well aware what a Trump presidency would and would not bring. I recall some of my teachers consoling some of the students who were very emotional. I, and my peers at the time, hadn’t reached voting age yet. The many “sorry’s” my teachers uttered were to echo our inability to vote, and the greater impact our voices would’ve had.
I’ve always carried this high school memory with me, and recently a hint of this emotion.
As a millennial being able to contribute to what’s quite frankly a youth-driven election is historic. Many within my demographic share the attribute of becoming more politically aware, especially during this turbulent climate -- and with more reason. A lot of issues trump or complicate one another.
We only hope to get out of certain situations as quickly as possible and return to a sense of normalcy.
My transition out of high school into the college atmosphere underscored this deeper interest in politics. It’s effect at the local and communal level is evermore evident and has affected each and every one of us to some extent. Our future administration, their characteristics, and the policies they’ll bring will shape our nation and the trajectory it will take.
I vote not only for my family, friends or community. I vote not for my future the next five to ten years when I further cement myself into adulthood. My vote is part of an indefinite chapter -- a longer discussion regarding what America we, as citizens, desire to be.
As I make my mark as a journalist, I hope to contribute to this part of the book by telling the stories of individuals affected by politics.
I want to stand by your side to see an America that heels.
Important work remains to be done.