Emma's Trip to the YDA Convention

Since a young age, I've been interested in social
issues and actively seeking ways to make
positive changes in our country. Being so young,
I didn't really think that I could do much. That
all changed at a local football game in
September, 2016. I met a young man named
Jackson Benarroch. He was working on the Ohio
Together campaign for Hillary Clinton. He asked
me to be his intern, and it totally changed my
life. By working on the national campaign, I was
fortunate to meet many local activists as well.

I am currently the youth member of the Mercer
County Democratic committee, and president
and founder of the Mercer County Young
Democrats. I recently attended the Ohio Young
Democrats Convention, and in turn was chosen
as a delegate to the Young Democrats of
America convention in Dallas, Texas in August.
this is an opportunity of a lifetime. The
caucuses, training, and panels that I will be able
participate in are crucial to my future career in politics - I am planning on majoring in education, with a minor in political science, and hope to run for both local and state office at some point in my future. 

Besides my future, this convention is very important and helpful for me now. I suffer from multiple anxiety disorders, and this will be an amazing opportunity to overcome many of my fears, such as flying on a plane, staying away from a parent for an extended period of time, and meeting new people.

My goal of $650 will cover my travel and food expenses for the four days. The Ohio Young Democrats are raising funds to cover the cost of the hotel rooms and our registration fees. Any money leftover or extra will be donated to the LGBT men fleeing persecution in Chechnya.