Attending the 2018 Women's March on Philadelphia last year was one of the most breathtaking and empowering experiences of my life. With the 2019 march just around the corner (this weekend, as a matter of fact) I'd like to share why I march and why, if you're able, you should march too. There are just so many misconceptions and stereotypes about the march and the people who participate that need to be debunked.

The women's march is not just about the wage gap, the price of tampons, or shaving our legs, and it's absolutely not about "hating men". As someone who's experienced the women's march firsthand, I think that everyone goes for their own moral values and experiences that shape why they feel passionate enough to march.

Whether you're there to bring light to sexual assault, racial inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, the broken justice system, all of the above, or something else, you will find people who are just as passionate as you and ready to come together to make the world a better place. One year ago, I held a sign that said, "Build kindness, not walls". Where our country is today tells me that we need to keep marching.

When you attend the march, you're exposed to an entire community of generous, loving people. When walking in close proximity to thousands of people for an hour, you're bound to have conversations with strangers. Attendees compliment others' signs and ask to take pictures of them, talk about the social issues at hand, share stories, and chant together. It's beautifully intimate in its own way.

Marching is not an annual once-and-done event either. The Women's March is a nonprofit organization that works year-round to better our country and the world. They advocate and raise money for all kinds of causes throughout the year and bring attention to important stories that otherwise would get swept under the rug of 24-hour news coverage. If you can't go or crowds aren't your thing, but you still want to contribute, consider making a monetary donation.

The world is a scary place. For me, I can't think about all the horrors and heartache for long without feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes it's hard to retain faith that you and your fellow man can make positive, lasting changes. Banding together with so many beautiful people and listening to others' ideas about how to change the world is inspirational. You'll leave feeling like you can take on the world. "We resist. We persist. We rise."