Using My Voice in Annapolis: A Day I’ll Never Forget

​Earlier this week, I had the honor of traveling to Annapolis for Student Advocacy Day — and it’s an experience I’m still thinking about days later.

I met with Maryland delegates to talk about the impact community college has had on my life and the lives of so many other students. Walking into those buildings, knowing I was there not just for myself but for my classmates and future students, was both nerve-wracking and incredibly empowering.

Community college is more than a place to take classes. For many of us, it’s a second chance, a fresh start, or the only affordable path toward our goals. It provides opportunity, support, and hope — and those are things worth speaking up for. Being able to share my personal experience and explain why continued funding, resources, and student support programs matter felt deeply personal. These programs aren’t just numbers in a budget; they are the reason students like me are able to stay in school and work toward a better future.

What stood out most to me was realizing that our stories truly belong in those conversations. Legislators make decisions that shape the future of education, and hearing directly from students adds a human perspective that statistics alone can’t provide. I was proud to represent my college and to speak on the real needs of our campus — from financial support to student services and future opportunities that help us succeed beyond graduation.

Even a few days later, I still feel proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone and using my voice in a space where decisions are made. Today reminded me that leadership doesn’t always look like standing behind a podium. Sometimes it looks like a student sharing their journey and saying, “This is why this matters.”

No matter where this path takes me, I’ll always remember the day I stepped outside the classroom and into the State House to stand up for my college, my peers, and the students who will come after us.

And that’s a moment I’ll carry with me for a long time. 🏛️📚✨