This past Wednesday, February 8th, many UCF students took place in the "March for Humanity" around campus. The event took place to protest the Trump Administration's "Muslim Ban", as well as their plans to enforce more rigorous immigration laws. The group was joined by many of the university's students and faculty, as well as many UCF organizations such as Students for Syria (SOS), the National Organization for Women (NOW), and Campus Peace Action (CPA).

I was one of the students who participated in the march. As we made our way through campus, I could see various reactions to our loud shouting and even louder posters. Some were reactions of support, hope, and admiration; others were reactions of disgust and anger. And of course, there were the people that couldn't have cared less about the whole thing.

I participated for many reasons. First off, because I believe in the cause that I was marching for. Secondly, I wanted to show my support for my fellow students, faculty, and American citizens in this time of crisis. Lastly, because I am an activist!

Activism is defined as: "the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change". As an activist, I use my voice, and the collective voice of others, to bring about change. I do not stay silent when others are being oppressed and when the rights of others are being neglected. I am an activist!

When I told others I was going to the protest, I was asked, "Why?" and, "What's the point? It won't make a difference anyway." This is where I disagree. Just because I'm one person and one voice, doesn't mean that I can't make a difference. When I protest, I am using my voice to strengthen the voices of others. One voice is small, but many voices cannot be ignored.

To put this in a comical sense, remember Dr. Seuss's "Horton Hears a Who"? All of the Whos were chanting as loud as they could, but no one could hear them. Not until Jojo, the Mayor's son, joined in to help the chanting become even louder. Being a part of that protest and being an activist is kind of the same thing, except we don't live on a speck on a flower in the jungle...I think.

One voice can make a difference. One voice can make other voices louder. When we protest, we are making a statement. We are saying that it is not okay to oppress others and the basic rights of human beings. Activists shed light on the inequality and injustice that has unfortunately become the norm of society. No matter who you are, what language you speak, the beliefs you practice, and the land you were born on, you are human, and you should be treated with the respect and kindness you deserve.

So, why am I an activist? Is it because I like to rebel? Am I just an angry and argumentative person? Do I do it for attention? That is the stigma society has on activism, isn't it?

I am an activist because I fight for what I believe in, and I refuse to stay silent. I am fortunate enough to have grown up in a place where I have the right to be an activist. There are so many people in so many parts of the world that cannot stand up for themselves. They cannot fight back against injustice and inequality because doing so would mean risking their lives and the lives of those they care about. Because of where I live, what I look like, and the rights given to me as an American citizen, I am in a position where I am allowed to speak up for myself. It would be a shame if I didn't use that privilege to help bring awareness to real issues concerning or harming others.

As an activist, I fight for the equality, justice, and humanity for ALL! Not just some, or others like me, but for everyone; those with different skin tones, different backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQ+, etc. We are all human. We all have skin and bones. We all have the same color blood. I will not stop fighting until we are ALL equal.