Women's March

On January 21, 2017, I attended the Women's March in Washington D.C. with two friends who are social work majors at MSU. Being a part of this giant march was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Though the focus of the march shifted to many different issues within society, (women’s fight for equality on all levels, Black Lives Matter, LGBT rights, and an encompassing message of the truth and respect that should be notable within all political positions held), I deeply appreciated that we were given a place and event to voice our concerns found presently in our community and nation and the hopes we hold for a more inclusive future. My time at the Women's March made me realize that you must stand up for the causes you believe in. You must become involved and surround yourself with others who want to make impactful changes. Show up, do work, protest, and make your voice heard. My attendance of this event allowed me to further progress in utilizing my personal theories and values of leadership , by not only leading within campus and community organizations, but hoping that my presence among thousands could assist in minimally leading nationally as well. It also advanced my leadership philosophy that much can be achieved when people collaborate within a group, even if the people within the group do not know each other. A common goal was set by the mass group of marchers, organizers, performers, and speakers that the future needs to be better for women, people of color, immigrants, LGBT individuals, the trans community, and the disabled, among many that felt they were misrepresented and mistreated during the 2016 election. This experience made me realize that leadership can be served on many levels, in small groups, on campus, in the community, in the state, and nationally. However, you choose to lead, at whatever level, it all makes a difference. Stand tall and make your mark. I hope the personal videos I took from the March can do my experience justice.