Do you know who currently represents the Bronx and Queens in Congress? The answer is a young woman known as “A.O.C.” – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Congresswoman who represents the 14th District of New York in the House of Representatives, including East Bronx and North Queens. After being sworn in on January 3rd, 2019, Ocasio-Cortez did not change her powerful communication style and continues to be transparent with the public regarding her views and opinions. Ocasio-Cortez has described herself as a Democratic-Socialist and advocates for policies such as tuition-free public college, single-payer Medicare for All, and the abolishment of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as I.C.E.
Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez faced a large amount of opposition throughout her time running for office and this opposition has not ceased now that she holds her position. She has endured various controversies during her time in the spotlight, including a massive amount of hate from right-wingers on the internet following the exposure of a video of Ocasio-Cortez in college dancing to the song, “Lisztomania” from Breakfast Club. While releasing a video of Ocasio-Cortez enjoying herself and dancing was meant to undermine her credibility and her ability to do what is best for the 14th District of New York, it instead allowed the congresswoman to increase her national exposure and gain popularity.
Why should you care who Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is? Well, as young women in college in New York City, you are directly impacted by her policies as well as the results of the controversies surrounding her. How many of you have ever taken as silly video of yourself having a good time being young? Have you worried about how that light-hearted and innocent video would affect you in your future endeavors? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has shown young women throughout the country, whether they are Democrats or Republicans, that they can speak their mind and express their values and still accomplish all that they’ve ever dreamt of.
Despite her seemingly polarizing views on various government policies, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has taught me and other young women like me that you can create change if you work hard enough and dedicate yourself to your mission. She challenged the system meant to keep those that are already in power in their positions and she won. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the embodiment of a powerful, successful female that we are all working to become.