How do I even begin writing about my experience at the Women’s March this Saturday? So many of us (over 500,000 to be exact) came together to protest various things we all believe in.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to make it back to D.C. after heading back to school in Ohio five days prior to the march, but I cannot express how happy I am that I was able to make it back down.

So, why did I march?

I marched because I AM A FEMINIST. I marched because I believe that we all deserve equal pay, equal opportunities, control over our own bodies and because I think the people we have in office right now are outright inhumane! I cannot believe our country has elected someone who treats people the way he does and still demands to be respected. How does he think he can have my respect if he doesn’t even respect me and so many others?

The march was peaceful and throughout the whole day, I felt a sense of unity. I know most of my close friends have a lot of the same beliefs as me so I normally do not feel disconnected from humanity, but it just felt so good to be around SOOO many people who also shared a lot of the same opinions I have. It gave me a sense of hope for the next four years.

Trump and Pence being elected into office has the power to affect women all over the country. Over the past couple of days, I have read a lot of things women have posted on Facebook and other social sites about how “they do not understand feminisim” or how they “aren’t a feminist,” but I would like to challenge them on these statements. I would like to point out to these women who I see posting these things that you are LEADERS in the community and have had so many great opportunities in school and I need you to understand that you would not be there WITHOUT feminism.

I just read the best article after the march that pointed out how we wouldn’t be where we are today without these past heroic women. I am so thankful for women such as: Margaret Sanger, Eleanor Roosevelt and Susan B. Anthony (and so many others) because I AM NOT A SECOND CLASS CITIZEN and I will not sit until people across the world can see that.

As you can see, I am very passionate about this subject, because I do not understand how people (men in particular) think they have the right to make choices for us? Do they really think we are that incapable? Well, news flash, we are not!

One of the chants from Saturday went: “My body, my choice” and this is something I want everyone to understand.

I would like to have an open conversation with anyone who maybe does not agree with me on this topic. I think in order for a change to occur there needs to be dialogue.

For all of my feminists out there, please know that I am always here to fight for what is right with you!

Women’s rights are human rights.