What issues matter to you the most in this election? Why? How do those issues connect to your life and the lives of those you care about?
In this election, racism and sexism. As someone who is the daughter of immigrants, I don’t like to see other people in similar situations as me getting mistreated.
When did you first start caring about these issues? Was there an event that happened or a conversation you had that piqued your interest?
It started during 2016 in the presidential election because there were things that made me scared for my parents and me. Even though we had our papers in order, I was still scared because my parents didn’t have green cards yet.
If you could take a class on one or more of these issues or dig deeper through your own research, what else would you want to know? What questions would you want answered?
I’d want to know what other people’s situations [are] and what their perspective is on all of this.
What issues do other young people around you seem to be concerned with, whether you agree with them or not? In other words, when your friends and classmates are discussing something politics-related, what’s the conversation usually about?
A lot of people seem to be concerned about sexism because there have been some untrue things said. Also, the issue of racism, which I’m really passionate about because I have been targeted before.
Do you think people your age can affect meaningful change regarding these issues? Why or why not? Have you ever taken any steps to try to address these problems?
I think [so] if people actually decide to speak up about it. Last year, during the eighth-grade promotion, I wrote a speech about my experience and how there were times [when] I didn’t feel safe.
Have you been following the presidential race? Do you know where the two candidates, former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, stand on your issues? Which candidate, if either, do you think will make positive changes to the things you care about? Why?
I know general things, but I haven’t been reading much. I think that Kamala Harris will because she’s also South Asian, like me, and I’m sure that she went through similar situations like I did. I think she could do a good job.
Are there other candidates for local, state or federal offices who have the power to make positive change about the issues that matter most to you? Who are they, and why do you hope they are elected?
I haven’t thought about that, but I’m sure there are some.
Do you think young voters will be energized by the 2024 election? Do you predict that they will be motivated to vote this year? Why or why not?
Yes, because if they choose to learn about these things, they could make an impact about things they really care about.
