Like so many other young female adults, I consider my Mom my role model. I hope that when I grow up, I have the courage to stand up for what I believe in like my Mom. Prior to this week, I considered the presidential rally for Obama in 2008 the best example of my Mom's passion for standing up for what she believes in. She woke me up at 5am on a Saturday morning to drive just under an hour into Philadelphia and stand in line for 3 hours before Obama spoke. On that memorable morning, my Mom reminded me of the crucial importance in being an active citizen. As I spoke to my Mom on the phone a few days ago, she reminded me once again of that importance.
"I was halfway through the drive to Harrisburg when I looked down at my feet and noticed I was wearing two different shoes!" My Mom laughed as she recounted the tale of her adventure to the capital. She drove by herself to Harrisburg to attend the rally about Corbett's proposed budget cuts funding public institutions of higher learning. As a proud Penn State grad with a family rooted in State college, and a teacher in a school district that consistently strikes when determining new contracts, my Mom has a lot invested in public education. Her decision to attend the rally was easy because of her passion about the necessity of funding education.
I admire my Mom's ability to not only take a stance on a prevalent issue, but act on it. She accomplishes everything in her power to act on her stance. After wearing two different shoes, and stumbling lost through the Capital building, my mom voiced her belief to a state representative. She explained to me that even if her perspectives and explanations had no effect on the eventual budget cut decision, she still could say that she gave every effort to voice her opinion. My mom's experience is the perfect example of the power of taking action on behalf of your beliefs.
