Our America

It didn't surprise me in the least when politics made their way into our conversations on the long drive home for spring break. My grandparents (who are awesome and came all the way out here to pick me up for spring break) fit what we talked about in class; they have more interest in politics because they have more at stake in our government.

I can't remember what we were talking about or why (but I do remember how surprising I found it that my grandpa was so up on Minnesota politics) but I do remember a comment my grandma made.

"This isn't our America anymore, it's your father's, and your mother's, but even more so it's yours. You are the one's who are taking charge of the nation now."

Immediately her comment sent me back through years of elementary and middle school. I kept thinking about all the comments that were made about investing in the future (by providing kids with the best education) and making future leaders out of us. It made me realize that future is coming a lot faster than I realized. Before we know it it's going to be up to us to take charge of our nation, world and society.

It still seems so far away, like we're still 8 years old or something. My grandma's comment really gave me some food for thought.

After a few moments I did have to giggle to myself. My grandma isn't a legal citizen. Hearing her talk about politics makes me both giggle and admire her. It makes me giggle because she gets so intense about it. I admire her because she is so intense about politics and has very strong opinions even though she can't vote and participate in our government in the way someone as passionate as she is would like to.