A few weeks ago, a group of Xavier students, including myself, had the opportunity to visit the nation’s capitol with the Close-Up organization. Most of us attended for the plain reason of sight-seeing and a chance to experience the cool east coast weather. However, our experiences quickly snowballed into something much greater than just a simple vacation.

Of course we were humbled by the grandeur of ageless memorials and museums captivating the enduring spirit of all things Americana, but the true spectacle of the city was of a more modern dynamic. Alongside these relics was a utopia for everything progressive and political. Everywhere we went it felt like the public was on the verge of a rally or speech, and inside the many offices and Capitol buildings the mindset remained the same. My friends and I were swept into debates about hot topics that we often do not think about. When just walking, a representative appeared right in front of us, pitching for reforms big and small, any of which could very well affect millions of people.

During my time in Washington, I had the opportunity to discuss public issues with high schoolers from all corners of the country, and understand the concerns that face many different communities. If I did not know it, I would not have believed that we were all from the same country; it was incredible how just a few states away an issue like environmental protection could warrant a collective response so polar to my own. However, whenever we could not agree with our peers the group was not divided  – if anything it stressed the need for unification in such a huge country.

Ultimately, one thing remained clear to me as I returned to Phoenix: young people have the potential for great things in our political system, and Xavier is no exception. The girls at Xavier already have more than enough skills to play the game of politics, all that is left is the drive to work and the courage to speak loud and clear. Before this experience I believed politics were meant for an older generation. But now I see that being involved in government is seeing through the lense of all people, and using one’s strengths to further enhance people’s knowledge about the benefits of democracy and freedom. Who better to carry out this task than our own generation of innovative minds, multi-medium artists, and avid diplomats?

My hope for my fellow Xavier students is that we stay connected to our fast changing world, and that we also take advantage of our opportunities as strong women and bright minds in government. There are plenty of platforms for anyone to be heard, from local homeowners’ associations to positions in public office. In closing, I would like to share a famous John F. Kennedy quote that especially resonated with me during my trip: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”