Talking about politics has always been an uncomfortable experience for me. I guess since I'm not very familiar with all the ins and outs of the political world, since I do not consider myself a political scientist or expert by any means, I have always just been afraid of saying something "ignorant" and not being able to defend myself. The fact is, however, that everyone, especially in my generation, is still learning (about everything, for that matter). Nobody is really an expert.

With that in mind, let me share my perspective on the 2016 election.

I support Bernie Sanders. Perhaps this comes as no surprise to those of you who know me (or even to those of you who don't--I do go to school in Burlington, VT, after all). This election is the first I've been able to vote in. Let me just stop there and say how incredibly exciting that is. It has become easy, I think, to take our right to vote for granted. There are plenty of things about our country in this modern age that flat-out disgust me, but when it comes to voting, especially as a woman, I am extremely grateful and proud to be an American citizen.

Back to Bernie. I heard about Bernie Sanders for the first time this past spring from one of my high school teachers. This was around the time Bernie announced his candidacy for President. I remember reading about his ideas and being really excited by them, but I also remember thinking to myself: "Damn, I wish I lived in the kind of country that would put this guy in office." I, along with many others, I'm sure, didn't think he would make it as far as he has.

But Bernie isn't the only candidate people are surprised to still see around. Donald Trump represents the worst of this country, in my opinion. And while Bernie's passionate, for-the-people energy has set the tone for the Democratic primary nominees, Trump's reckless, provocative, grossly offensive rhetoric has done so for the GOP candidates.

Here, we see a fundamental difference between the two parties in this race: the Republican candidates seem to speak the language of low-blows, disrespect and negativity, whereas the Democratic candidates speak the language of inclusion, respect and vision. Both languages are forceful and enticing in different ways. With regards to the former, I believe we must be extremely wary of the temptation to surrender to a mindset of toxic pessimism.

When it comes down to Bernie and Hillary, here's how I feel:

There is obviously more to each candidate than meets the eye. I think the momentum Bernie has created rests a bit too heavily on a foundation of powerful words, and I think that Hillary has received a disproportionate amount of flack based largely on poorly-examined claims. Don't get me wrong, I want a woman in office. I deeply respect Hillary's intelligence, resilience, and kick-ass confidence. But both of these candidates are people before they are a woman or a man.

So, finally, here are my reasons for supporting Bernie:

1. Our political system needs to be shaken up, and Bernie is the guy to do it. He is detached from and opposed to the corruption that big money brings to the world of politics.

2. He has a long, rock-solid history of social equality and anti-war activism. He has brought income inequality to the forefront of this race and is the only candidate who was born into a family directly struggling with this issue. Regarding his young life in Brooklyn, he told the Guardian newspaper, "I saw unfairness. That was the major inspiration in my politics." We need someone who isn't afraid to protest.

3. Although I've only been alive for four presidential elections, and only been aware of what was happening for two, I have never seen a politician who values all of humanity so much. He is awe-inspiringly dedicated to giving marginalized groups of people a voice. I have never seen a politician who has as much fundamental and good-natured humility, consistency, and integrity as Bernie Sanders.

The basic gist is this: Voting for Hillary is sort of like voting for Obama again, if we're talking policy; we'll get very, very slow but relatively stable progress. Voting for Bernie is a risk. No doubt about it. But it is a risk we're taking on a man who has always been the fighter that he is, who has never been your typical politician/actor who will put on whatever facade will get him into office, and is a risk that could lead to incredible, significant change for our country.

Even if I don't have you convinced, please just fill out an absentee ballot and VOTE!!!! Like I said, this is such a critical, exciting election. The more young people who vote, the less likely it will be that Trump gets elected. Please and thank you!