Elena Zeballos '24 Attends First-Time Voters Summit

A nationally representative and scientific sample of first-time voters—the people who will shape political discourse for decades to come—came together to deliberate key policy issues.

 

I discovered this wonderful opportunity through Laura Day, Director of Innovation and Collaboration. She sent out the application my senior year, and before I knew it, I was on a plane to Washington to participate in America in One Room: The Youth Vote. For four days, 500 first-time voters (including myself) with vastly different geographic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ideological backgrounds were put into small groups to deliberate national policies such as minimum wage, energy independence, and abortion rights. We were surveyed on our opinions of these policies before and after the deliberations to see any changes in our responses, and the results were published nationally. Before leaving, I was trained as a Civic Ambassador, equipped to host my own deliberations.

 

Through the program, I learned that although we live in a highly polarized political climate, we are more similar than we are made to believe. We all want the best for our country, our ideas of how to reach that goal just differ. Deliberating instead of debating let me understand the reasons surrounding others' opinions and opened my eyes to perspectives that I would have never had the opportunity to hear. In return, I was able to safely express and explore my own beliefs. Although my group did not agree on everything, we were able to respect everyone’s opinions and reach a consensus. This program gave me hope. In a time where everyone seems up in arms with each other, I learned that collaboration and understanding are possible if we put in the effort to understand those with differing views.

 

I believe it is important for Hockaday girls to know that their opinions are valid and should be heard. I hope Hockaday girls grow confident in both their viewpoints and their ability to express them. On the other hand, I believe it is important to know how to listen and empathize with those who we might not initially agree with. We are the future of our country, and in nurturing these skills, I know Daisies can be the leaders of tomorrow.