On Saturday, January 20, I attended the 2nd Women’s March in NYC.

I remember myself a year ago, scrolling through Twitter, seeing pictures of clever signs and pink hats marching through the streets. I was so envious of everyone, as they were fighting for all the things I believe in. This year, I was able to fulfill this wish I once had.

My friends and I woke up nice and early, gathered our signs and our bags, and headed for the bus stop. The whole way there, I imagined what I would be seeing, the people I would be talking to, and the words I would be hearing.

We arrived in NYC on 40th street, and we got a cab to bring us to 72nd, where we were supposed to go. Even from 40th street we saw people with signs and pink hats. It was mesmerizing to see how this march was taking over the city.

Joining the crowd of people, I read all the signs, and it became real that I was finally there. I saw young kids, as little as toddlers, holding handmade signs and wearing Women’s march apparel. It was refreshing to see so many young people, because we are the ones who hold the future in our hands.

After walking for about an hour, I had seen so many different people. Young, old, black, white, men, women, all being united for a purpose. The empowerment I felt was overwhelming. I knew I had just done something good, for myself and others.

It’s sad to know that some people see an event for women empowerment and equality as disgraceful, just because it preaches things they may not agree with. The day people’s freedom of speech is taken away is the day our country will be at its lowest. I’m extremely proud to have been a part of something that exercises my right to freedom of speech, especially as a young person. Young people should be using their voices as much as they can.

As said by Ezekiel Figuero from The Get Down, “The young people aren’t the problem, we’re the solution.”