Because, you are going to hear it a million times…
I will be the first to admit it: I’m not the greatest person. I’m not around half the time and I leave this thing neglected for months at a time. I’d like to say that I have a life but that’s not really it either. I don’t have words to describe how apathetic I have been and how unmotivated I’ve become.
However, yesterday was different.
Before, I hadn’t been able to vote. I had just turned 18 about four years ago and didn’t really “care”. I was someone who thought that the world of political affairs was for the ‘big kids’. I never took any action. Just sat there on the sidelines and watched as my country handed its self its own demise, in a way. I didn’t really understand because I personally hadn’t been apart of it all. I didn’t know what the props were and I never really paid attention to the election campaigns.
But, this year my mom really pushed me to get my voter registration in. She said, “I’ve never bugged your about grades or demanded anything from you- but the one thing you have to do is vote.” I guess it didn’t really hit me till now that I am officially apart of my country, that I as a person have a right and a say. There is nothing more exhilarating than seeing your own efforts paid off, whatever it may be. That you can actually make a difference in the world with just that once small choice. It was because of the millions of young voters and minority voters that stood up and decided that they were Americans too. Because that’s the difference. Because, Yes We Can.
80%. That’s the turn out rate for all the people in America. All those people. And I’m proud to be one of them.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I feel pumped up. I feel so freaking awesome right now. That even though I have three essays that are due tomorrow and I haven’t started on a single one- I know I’ll get it done. Because the hope and the joy that people are experiencing today is an enlightening experience. And it’s a feeling that I hope never goes away.
However, yesterday was different.
Before, I hadn’t been able to vote. I had just turned 18 about four years ago and didn’t really “care”. I was someone who thought that the world of political affairs was for the ‘big kids’. I never took any action. Just sat there on the sidelines and watched as my country handed its self its own demise, in a way. I didn’t really understand because I personally hadn’t been apart of it all. I didn’t know what the props were and I never really paid attention to the election campaigns.
But, this year my mom really pushed me to get my voter registration in. She said, “I’ve never bugged your about grades or demanded anything from you- but the one thing you have to do is vote.” I guess it didn’t really hit me till now that I am officially apart of my country, that I as a person have a right and a say. There is nothing more exhilarating than seeing your own efforts paid off, whatever it may be. That you can actually make a difference in the world with just that once small choice. It was because of the millions of young voters and minority voters that stood up and decided that they were Americans too. Because that’s the difference. Because, Yes We Can.
80%. That’s the turn out rate for all the people in America. All those people. And I’m proud to be one of them.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I feel pumped up. I feel so freaking awesome right now. That even though I have three essays that are due tomorrow and I haven’t started on a single one- I know I’ll get it done. Because the hope and the joy that people are experiencing today is an enlightening experience. And it’s a feeling that I hope never goes away.