In my entire life, I have learned that politics is not a topic of discussion – at least, not if you’re a Democrat. Stuck in red states my entire life, I have never been surrounded with such enthusiasm to change the world. I’ve felt like a misfit as far as my ideological beliefs are concerned, and it was rough to try and change the world when nobody else understands your point of view.

NOI changed all that. Surrounded by progressives excited about the future state of politics in our country, I felt energized to return home and make a change. Even though I’m stuck in a position where I can’t move for three years, I’ve realized now that everything will work out if I just let it.

To all of you at NOI: don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do it, you can’t make a difference, or that what you do won’t matter in the end. Because it will – every single person I had the chance to meet, sit and talk to or just share a meal with is incredibly intelligent and passionate. Don’t forget your passions – and don’t let people deter you from pursuing them.

Whenever I forget where I am in my life, I remember one of my favorite quotes:

“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or villify them. But the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

Let’s go change the world.

I miss you guys!

Anne Gepford

¶ posted by littleredhead @ 11:32 AM