In an age where division is prominent and the media is hungry, it is easy to get lost within the information spewing into our ears and lose grasp on who the people we see on our screens really are. We have lost the ability to differentiate what is a true representation of a human being or a false adaptation of the person, leaving in its wake a sharp line of isolation.
Since I was a child, I had always been speaking about what I deemed important. Whether that was which outfit my Barbie would wear that day or snitching on the boy who took my headband, I spoke. My parents encouraged me to put sound to the voice that nagged at the back of my throat when I felt something was wrong, but most adults saw my personality as irritating. Since before I could remember I had wanted to lead. I had wanted to have a say and be in the room where decisions were made. My family kept my dreams alive by introducing me to a powerful leader.
Abigail Spanberger has an impressive history with politics. She is currently running to be the first female governor of Virginia. While Abigail was running for congress in 2018, I attended one of her events hosted in a local park. As I made my way through the crowds and assorted outdoor games, it became apparent that people were commenting on how much Abigail and I looked alike. Little did I know how similar we would turn out to be.
Abigail shook my star-struck eleven-year-old hand, came down to my eye level, and listened intently to what I had to say. I had explained that by watching her campaigns and observing her strength, she had inspired me to run for my middle school student government. To this day, I have never witnessed an adult listen to a child so sincerely than the way Abigail listened to me.
Abigail listened, but most importantly encouraged me with words I hold with me today. She told me to never stop reaching platforms that raise my voice. She recognized my passion and filled me with pride instead of the usual underestimation I was met with by adults. She made me feel as if there was zero divide between adults and children, that I was not bossy or snappy, but instead a leader in the making.
Throughout middle school and high school, I have run and been elected into student government. In the thick of my experiences, there is not a time that I do not use Abigail’s advice or the feeling she gave to me as a tool-kit to better my school community. When the frustration that comes with making decisions boils within my skin, I am able to remember the composure with which Abigail held herself, and apply it to regulate my emotions. When I am tasked with speaking for my student body, I am able to set aside everything else in my brain and listen with everything I can.
As of last year, over 8 million people call Virginia their home. I am a Virginian with one voice and one experience, telling you that the Abigail I know is the definition of a wonderful person and consequently the type of individual that should influence our youth and country. To me, in times of extreme uncertainty found in the media today, I find comfort in knowing that political figures like Abigail Spanberger are marching through the challenges. Abigail’s simple words have made a direct impact on my morals and character. We are all experiencing and feeling the divide in our country weighing on our chests. It is time to value character.
Despite the toxicity of campaigns, it is necessary to get to know your candidates. The Abigail I know, is exactly who I want to be and see lead Virginia.
