At the ripe age of 18, I was first introduced into politics. By introduced, I mean engaging in what was going on in the White House, the presidential campaigns, and the political atmosphere in general. I started looking up policies, politicians, and relevant events I should be aware of. But, like how some people of older generations think of millennials, I once was rather apathetic to politics.
I was laughably uninformed of all kinds of things occurring in my life. I never watched the news or picked up a newspaper (except for school projects), or care for anybody elected into the Senate or House of Representatives. When the Sandy Hook shooting happened, I was not aware until my friends were all talking about it the next day. When it came to politics, I thought, "It's just a bunch of idiotic, childish old people and depressing policies and news."
While it may seem that way sometimes, it isn't much depressing; it's reality. Out of my comfortable little sphere where I prefer headache-inducing information to keep its distance, I decided to do research, learn about these important events and political changes. It may have a significant impact on my life, so I should pay attention!
Take for instance the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, which illuminated potential realities to me. This could happen to me, my family, my friends and my community. I cried for the families that went through the tragedy, and denounced the ones who may have contributed to the event, and refused to acknowledge accountability or responsibility. And these are the same people sitting in office - people that we could elect, or just let win, if we are not conscious or active.
The United Kingdom leaving the EU was another event that really opened my eyes. If anything, it revealed the true impact and weight voting has in those types of governments. Presidential elections are not the only elections that have weight; elections for mayor, the Senate, the House of Representatives, County chairs, superintendents all have a significant impact on one's life and community.
I voted for Marlon Kimpson for the South Carolina State Senate this past June, and even though he won, I would have been proud to for participating if he lost. Change can begin on the individual level, and you can make a difference. This may sound cheesy, but is is true. We are the upcoming generation to decide the future of the world. Our opinions and our needs will be shaped by who will represent us, or what we do with our political freedom.