There is something I can do.
On November 8th, 2016 I got to vote for the very first time. On this day, I also cried for the first time over the outcome of a vote. Previously, the votes had gone in a way that I didn’t really think would effect me. I remember when Barack Obama was elected, and I just.. I knew it was history, I knew it was amazing a black man was becoming president, but watching that election was nothing like this. I sat in my living room with friends, with the whole hearted intention to eat enchiladas, have a few beers and play games as the election results came in.. but instead, we sat with mouths wide open baffled. I sat holding my wifes shaky hands as the election was announced. We cried. I said to myself “There has to be something I can do.”
On February 7th, Betsy Devos was confirmed as the Secretary of education. A woman who has no experience with public school, nor had she ever studied education. I once again said “There has to be something I can do” I let these feelings fester, and bubble, and encourage me to be louder and advocate louder.
On March 8th, 2017 a woman stood in a school board meeting and said that Transgender students were causing harm to others, and that “heterosexual children’s dignity, privacy and security have not been considered.”. I sat, with this rage bubbling up inside me. I myself are not trans, but I have people I love in my life that are trans and this angered me. I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to be a teacher who respected all people, and treated all students, but first and foremost I wanted my students to be safe. This day, I decided I would run for school board.
On May2nd, 2017 I stood outside a fred meyer store and protested by myself. This was the first time, I protested on my own. This was also the first time I had anyone to my face go “I hope you get raped” this was also the day that a cop looked me in the eye and said “He can hope all he wants, and well, that's not any kind of threat just because he hurt your feelings” I let the tears well up and nod once and asked “Do I have to leave?” and he said “No, you have done nothing wrong” I continued to stay. This was the third time I said to myself “There has to be something I can do”
Hillary Clinton said in her concession speech “our responsibility as citizens is to keep doing our part to build that better, stronger, fairer America we seek.” and this stuck with me. I knew that I needed to keep doing my part.. But what really was my part? While scrolling on facebook a quote from this same speech came across my screen “to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.” and in that moment, I realized my dream had changed.
I realized that I wanted to change this world. I wanted to change this country for the better and I was going to be part of this. With this choice came a big realization. While, I love education and I absolutely love the idea of teaching, I wanted to advocate for students whose families don't have a voice.
With this choice comes an announcement. I will be attending Central Washington University and studying law and justice for my graduate studies. Following this, I will start to pursue politics.
To my Wife, thank you for hugging me and saying that you knew this would happen. To my family, thank you for rolling your eyes and saying took you long enough. To my friends, thank you for grinning and saying you're the person we need. Thank you to Ellensburg Indivisible for encouraging me and standing behind me through my first ever political race, and continuing to encourage me and stand by me. You all make me a better human.
