Photograph from TradeGecko. Edited by Macey Strause.
BY: AMANDA F. ROBLES LÓPEZ, FALL 2020 COLLABORATOR AT POWER IN PLACE
On March 16 of 2017, I received the incredible opportunity to attend an extraordinary session at the Senate of Puerto Rico and converse with the Senator of my district. This event took place as part of the Girl Scout initiative “Legislator for a Day.” At seventeen years old, my curiosity was at the highest it has ever been. I could not comprehend how my peers discussed subjects such as “what is your favorite sport?” when they had the leaders of our country inches away. The protocol stated that Girl Scouts should sit alongside the Senator’s chair and wait for her or his arrival; however, I could not wait. Whereas the rest of my peers patiently waited for their Senators, I decided to go and speak with as many legislative assistants as I could find.
I wanted to learn about the parties that represented Puerto Rico; my questions ranged from “what is your party’s position on the ongoing protests?” to “what does your party stand for?” When Senator Dalmau arrived, I had already discussed with a representative of each party in Puerto Rico. Moreover, Senator Dalmau found this amusing and exhorted me to speak with his colleague, Senator Bhatia, about any topic of interest.
Before this experience, I was uncertain about a career path in politics but after hearing what was being discussed, everything changed. During the session, some members of the majority party at that time expressed statements that completely disregarded the minority social groups of the island. As I heard the remarks, I could not believe how some leaders of Puerto Rico favored one particular population over another. Moreover, I could not simply sit back and not share my opinions on the matter. Therefore, as I heard the statements, I expressed my concerns to Senator Dalmau and Senator Bhatia. Following my remarks, Senator Dalmau did something that changed my life forever; he requested speaking time and upon receiving it, instructed me to “take the floor.”
At seventeen years old, I spoke up in front of a room of Senators about my opinions on the subjects being discussed. I expressed my concerns about their views on criminality, education, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. At that moment I realized that my voice truly mattered, the voice of women mattered. I decided to pursue a career in politics to ensure that the following generations of leaders formulated policies to represent the interests of all Puerto Ricans, and not just of a particular group.
I am here today, as a proud Latina, reminding you that a woman’s voice is crucial in the politics of any nation. Before my experience in the Senate, I had never considered the impact that my voice could have on policy. Moreover, although I was aware that those politicians had the power to approve laws, I recognized that I had the power to influence the colleagues and fellow Senators who were present that day.
I am and will be forever grateful for the opportunity that Senator Dalmau granted me that day; he contributed not only to the choice of study that I am currently pursuing today but to the discovery of what impact my voice could create.
For this reason, I invite all of you to speak up on any matter that is important to you because you never know the change you will create.
Your voice matters!