We hear all the time from our mentors to 'get involved', but what does that really mean?
The TV show "Parks and Recreation" said to "treat yo self", so I did. During my first year of college I spent my time outside of class studying, creating a stronger relationship with God, working, and going to parties that the kids now and days would call 'lit'. I kept myself busy, but I genuinely felt like I was still missing something in my life.
I became a member of the Student Government Association and started helping out on my campus. Every year we have a Voter's Registration drive, which I was able to help with for the second year in a row. As I was manning the Student Government table and trying to get as many people to register to vote as I could, underlying issues really hit me.
First:
Citizenship. In order to vote, you have to be a legal citizen of the United States. So why is it that a young millennial like myself who was born in another country, can earn good grades and be a valuable citizen to our country, but not reap the benefits as one?
Which lead me to another issue...
Second:
Why has our country made it so hard for immigrants to gain citizenship?
Remembering 9/11 during this month and recent terrorist attacks from ISIS all across the world, I have to understand why. But, broadly speaking; what I still do not understand is how we have allowed people to live in our country for years, work in some of the hardest low-paying jobs, have no criminal records, yet still not provide an easier pathway towards citizenship.
Fun fact:
In America, "Regardless of the type of terrorist attack — jihadist or right-wing — the overwhelming majority of terrorist attacks are committed by US-born citizens."
You're probably wondering,
'What do terrorist attacks have anything to do with why I should get involved'?
Well, they don't.
College is our most pivotal time as adults. We're still growing, figuring ourselves out and what we want to do with our lives. But most importantly, we're figuring out what WE think. We're meeting new people and making new connections. All our lives we have been taught what is right and what is wrong. But our world is constantly changing and growing around us. Technologically, Socially, Politically, Economically, and Progressively. Simple and complex issues arouse in every aspect possible and we get to choose how we want to react, based on what we believe is right and wrong.
After my time volunteering and helping hundreds of people register to vote, I realized how important it is to be involved. I became aware of the difference I can make no matter how big or small. So I joined four other clubs on my campus and even had the opportunity to meet with my college President recently. I then saw the potential of creating a more united community locally, nationally and even globally. (Plus it looks really good on resumes and scholarship applications).
All joking aside, my relationship with God and this life he has given me has improved by a milestone.
My revelation:
As Millennials, we ARE the change.
