For my 16th birthday I told my parents that I did not want a party or any particular gift, but instead I wanted to participate in the National Women’s March on Washington that took place in January of 2017. The massive march was called for in part as a protest to the inauguration of the Trump administration, and a call to advocate for women’s rights, human rights, immigration rights, and many other issues.
My parents agreed that it was important for me to be there, and my mother and I were able to make the trip and participate in the march together. Being a part of this massive protest was an amazing experience. I will never forget the hilarious banners held up by hundreds of thousands of pink-hat wearing women, marching in unity in front of the Washington Monument.