Ever since I was young, I heard the saying, “your vote is your voice.” However, I was always too young to vote. I practiced my civic duty as an American citizen by visiting the voting booths with my mom. I couldn’t wait until the ballot I filled out had my name on it.
Throughout my childhood, I adopted my political beliefs from my parents. I supported the policies and politicians they supported. It wasn’t until middle school that I started to develop my own beliefs. Over the years, as I have read and experienced more in life, these beliefs evolved further. Nonetheless, I was excited for the day that I turned 18, and I would be able to put these beliefs into action at the ballot box.
In high school, I realized that I could make a difference outside of the ballot — there was more to political action than just voting. During the initial COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, I found myself having a lot of time to reflect and act. I became involved in the local politics in my community in New York.
When I arrived on campus, I felt a disconnect from the political issues central to my hometown. I immediately became engrossed in the politics here in Evanston and the greater Chicago area. I was conflicted on whether or not I should change the location of my voter registration. On the one hand, I was registered in the district in which I grew up and experienced politics first hand, but on the other hand, I was now living and taking part in a new community. I decided to keep my voter registration in New York and vote via absentee ballot.
While voting is important, it is not the only way to make a difference in politics. This midterm election was important, but the change made during it would not have been possible without the advocacy and action that took place beforehand. As a college freshman, I was overwhelmed with adapting to the new political climate of my new environment. Additionally, I was still getting adjusted to being a college student. Nonetheless, Northwestern makes it easy to get involved in social justice issues. There are numerous student groups looking to make a difference within any issue that you are passionate about.
As I look back on my first time voting experience, I also look forward towards the future. There is still more work that needs to be done. It is important to always be aware of the current events that are occurring both around campus and our home communities. As I enter my second quarter at Northwestern, I look forward to joining social advocacy groups. Voting for the first time is a feeling of freedom as an American citizen, but it is not the only way to make a difference.