Living in Washington, DC during the fall of 2020 is stressful. Being in a city during a pandemic along with being in the center of political tensions make it hard to be hopeful for the future. After the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a lot of us in the house felt isolated—not just from our friends and families, but from allies in the government that act for our rights as well. 

 With the push to fill RBG’s seat before the election, the Women’s March decided to quickly organize a movement opposing the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett. On Saturday, October 17, thousands gathered in DC and at many sister marches around the country to peacefully protest an appointment that may literally take away human rights. 

As some of the WCSC students got ready to attend the march, I was unsure if I wanted to go. A pandemic plus being a life-long introvert gave me hesitations about being in a large group of people. I ended up going, and I am so glad I did. The March was very intent on keeping people as safe as possible. Extra masks were given to anyone that wanted, and large gathering areas insured that people could stay socially distanced. 

We heard from women who had been fighting for equal rights for decades and a wave of young people concerned for their future. We heard stories of heartbreak and of hope. We marched alongside people who we had never met, but with whom we held a bond. We were no longer strangers. The experience turned anger and hopelessness into passion and productivity.