January 21, 2017. One of the largest marches in United States history.This march began as nothing but a Facebook post and turned into something quite amazing. It's inspiring. I was not physically there but I was keeping up with it all day. A day that I will definitely remember and be proud to have witnessed forever no matter what happens. It's empowering. It's a choice of those with the same views to come together to make a change not only for women but for ALL. This march showed us violence is NOT the answer. Showing up to prove a point filled with passion is the answer. Many believing it is more than just a protest but can become a movement. I watched the speeches, the performances, and it filled me with hope and the urge to become more involved. Women are amazing. All people are amazing and have the potential to do groundbreaking things. Everyone should have this equal opportunity. When you think you don't matter and think about giving up, don't. I am not just proud to be a woman after this, but proud to be an American.

I am a woman. I go to school with women. I am friends with women. I work with women. I teach young girls who will become women. There are times where I do not feel beautiful. I do not want to think negatively like that again. There is so much to love about yourself on the outside and the inside. What teaches me that I am beautiful is when I tell those girls that they are beautiful when they mention something negative about themselves. Practice what you preach. Do not let comments, posts, or words get you down. YOU know the truth and that's what matters. When you look in the mirror and you have the attitude of seeing your flaws, think about what you love about yourself. It's not being selfish. It's being proud to be who you are as an individual.

I am a woman. I am a student in a university. I want to be a journalist. I want to be involved in politics no matter how big or small. Each of these has had its downfalls. Each of these have their current and past issues. Each of these have importance. Each of these have been through many struggles and hatred from others. I do not want to be afraid to express my opinion. I do not want to be afraid to pursue my desired career path. I understand how it has to be done respectfully. I want to be heard and make a change. I am not here to give up. I am here to take on the challenge and you should too. Everyone is different. We each have our own characteristics. We each have our own goals, hopes and dreams for ourselves. Why give up or not even try when you only have one life?

We will all have our separate views. We will all be apart of different parties. There are people who support President Trump. I respect that. There are people who do not. I respect that. I do not believe in the saying that Trump is not my president. He is. Do I agree with his views? No. Do I respect that he is now the leader of our country. Yes. We are one country. "One nation under God." If you want to make a change, get out there, go vote, get your voice heard. Not through violence. There are SO many other options to create a change. I think that the Women's March not only on Washington but around the world has started something new. It has set the bar for what a peaceful protest SHOULD be. I am ready to be apart of this evolving movement. I am ready to be able to tell those generations after me about it. I am ready. WE have the power.