This upcoming presidential election will be the first one that I will be able to vote in. While this is exciting because I finally have a good opportunity to advocate for real change, it is also terrifying. Now I have to make informed decisions about each of the presidential candidates based on where they stand on important issues. This requires a lot of research, and I decided to start with Bernie Sanders. In the past, I used to believe that my vote wouldn't matter. However, after seeing Sanders' narrow defeat in Massachusetts, I learned that any amount of support goes a long way for the United States Senator from Vermont. Bernie Sanders has my vote, and I want other people to know why. Here are a few reasons why I am 'Feeling the Bern.'

One of the biggest reasons that Sanders has my vote is because he supports free college tuition. Even if he cannot fully achieve this goal, he can still fight to reduce the cost of higher education. His plan will allow young adults from poor families to attend college if they study hard enough. While many opponents of this proposal claim that it will decrease the value of our diplomas, universities will still maintain their strict admissions guidelines. If someone does not have good enough grades, then the college will not accept their application. People shouldn't be punished with a lifetime of debt for pursuing an education beyond a high school level.

Sanders also wants to raise the minimum wage. This issue is something that directly impacts my family, and it also affects families all over the nation as well. Parents shouldn't have to work two, or even three, jobs just to make ends meet. Bernie Sanders believes that anyone working full-time should be paid a livable wage.

Lastly, Bernie Sanders has been a long-time advocate for human rights. Since the 1960's, he has protested against racial discrimination and segregation. In addition, he supports women and their vocational endeavors. The United States is one of only two nations without guaranteed paid maternity leave. If elected as the President of the United States, he is committed to rectifying this wrong. He cares about everyone, regardless of their differing values.

There are so many other reasons why Bernie has my vote, but you can always see for yourself on his website. In my opinion, I truly believe that Bernie Sanders has the best interests of the American people at heart. Even though he has been struggling in the democratic primaries, I'm not giving up on him. I am proud to say that I will be casting my first ever vote for Bernie.