When I was young I thought I could change the world. Encourage recycling, change policy, right social wrongs. Prime example, in second grade I wrote the school principle telling him we should set up recycling bins in the school lunchroom for cardboard juice boxes. He wrote me back saying that while he appreciated my enthusiasm, it wasn't something that would be implemented. But my mom thought it was cute and kept a copy of the letter-which I now have.
In 4th grade I ran for school secretary. And lost to the more popular girl-I quickly learned that it didn't matter my platform, I wasn't popular therefore I wouldn't win.
And then I got older and responsibilities and lack of social status made fighting the good fight less important.
Then when I was old enough to vote, I learned in civics class that my vote while important as a civic duty, really didn't make a difference since it was all up to the electoral college. No matter how much we're told one person can make a difference, every time I tried nothing ever happened.
This week after spending $4000 for my son's kindergarten tuition, uniforms, books and supplies. I come to find out that the state of Arizona has eliminated funding for all day kindergarten and it is only in communities where property tax has been raised to make up the difference. Personally I'm outraged- why in a state where we're 50th (last in the fucking union) are we making full day kindergarten (which has proven benefits for kids) less accessible.
I'm hoping that as my schedule permits and with a few contacts I've picked up working for some political organizations, I can get involved in aiding change in education policy in Arizona. Because there are good schools out there and every kid, not just those of the affluent should have access to them.
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