I grew up with the wild idea of escaping poverty and following in the footsteps of my grandmother, who marched in Selma, by fighting for the downtrodden and empowering the less fortunate. I saw this as the message and the intention of many political leaders, but I then learned that many only intend to say, but not do. I’ve worked with political campaigns, involved myself in my community, done extensive research, and seen much in my short life. Through these experiences, I’ve come to the conclusion that democracy, as a concept and an institution, is in danger, and for a good reason. My peers and I have seen wars and governmental failure supplemented by monopolization, corruption, and rugged individualism. We have good reason to lack faith in a system that produces such sharp and, frankly, unfair divides among people, based on class, race, and sex. Recently, I’ve volunteered at my local farmers market, assisted political campaigns for local and state candidates, and registered many voters, but I’m not done yet. We must work towards a democracy where politicians are accountable in and out of their legislative chambers to working-class families and individuals across the country.