What's On Our Mind 7-2-2021

Unlike last year, this Independence Day we will be with friends and families at barbeques, parades, and fireworks.

But for me, this occasion feels surreal. On Thursday, the House voted to form a committee to investigate the January 6th Capitol attack, an event that still leaves deep scars on our nation’s soul. I won’t forget that day, the day my country let me down.

This July 4th we celebrate our freedom, yet much of our freedom feels fragile and desperately needs protecting. That is exactly what I have been working for at JAC for the past four years.

When I began at JAC during the summer of 2017, Donald Trump was trying to take healthcare away from millions of people. By the end of that summer, Nazis and white supremacists marched in Charlottesville chanting “Jews will not replace us.”

Health care, antisemitism, and women’s reproductive rights were topics I had heard about. JAC opened my eyes and showed me that these issues would impact my life and those close to me. They were not just headlines and Facebook posts.

During the Trump years, I felt a pit in my stomach. I was in constant disbelief about the actions of officials who swore an oath to protect our Constitution — for all.

Yet my JAC coworkers continued to encourage me to stay involved. Giving up the fight, as disillusioned as I was, was not an option.

I am proud that I worked with JAC to help elect Joe Biden and other candidates. Our effort enabled common sense, honor, and good government to return to the White House.

JAC has shown me that through perseverance, dark days can give way to better days. Setbacks still discourage me, like when the GOP filibustered just voting rights. Now, I am determined to fight harder.

JAC has laid the foundation for what I know will be my lifelong involvement in public advocacy. I’m looking forward to returning to JAC after law school and getting involved in JAC’s NextGen group with other young women intent on making a difference. This is my future and I am not going to sit on the sidelines.