In this rough and tough life of politics that seems to be in the news every day, the youth of America is constantly being influenced by politicians and their ideologies.

American Youth tend to be somewhat apathetic towards policy and current events, which is why I joined the Junior Statesmen of America. Not only has this organization inspired me to bring change to high schools across the Northeast, but has also given me the opportunity to express my beliefs in a non- judgemental environment. When you think of this organization, you probably are thinking, “Just another youth and government club.” But JSA is that and so much more. From the moment I stepped into my first meeting, I was inspired to bring change not only to my high school, but to surrounding schools, and eventually leading me to pursue a career in communications and politics.

When I witnessed the Democrats on Capitol Hill host a Sit-In for stricter gun control laws, I was galvanized by the idea of bringing change not only on the local level but to the national level. Just a couple miles up the road, a nearby town experienced a tragedy, that resulted in the State of Connecticut to have the toughest Gun Laws in the nation. Senator Chris Murphy, held a fifteen-hour filibuster, persuading not only the Senate, but the rest of our nation to adopt these Gun Law ideologies, to make a safer, more peaceful United States. These events inspired me to become part of this change. Yearning for justice in our nation, I desire to become someone who can make a change in this tumultuous society we live in.

If it weren’t for the Junior Statesmen of America who inspired me to become the Shelton Chapter Vice President and a member on the Regional Cabinet, I would probably be another apathetic teenager. JSA’s slogan, “Because Democracy is not a spectator sport,” encourages high school Americans to become involved, stand up, speak confidently in what they believe in. With this organization, myself along with thousands of other teens can speak freely in a non-partisan environment, free of judgment. This slogan is motivation to become the change you want to see in our nation. This slogan wakes students up to start caring; that our government is there to help us, and that whatever happens within the Senate Chamber, the House Chamber, the Supreme Court, or the Oval Office, will ultimately affect every citizen, no matter how irrelevant it may seem at first.

With Junior Statesmen of America, I have not only learned how to lead, speak up and be involved, but to “Be the People” and to “Fight Apathy.”