24 Years Ago

I grew up in New Jersey and was in the seventh grade on September 11th, 2001. I remember classmates whose moms and dads went to work that day and never came home.

In the years that followed, as the country plunged into war, I saw how grief and fear deepened polarization and division. These experiences influenced my decision to study history and religion, understand the roots of conflict and, more importantly, learn how people can work together across differences to create just and liveable communities and societies.

Today we honor the memory of those we lost and the bravery of those who answered the call to serve, often without a full understanding of the toll those decisions would take on them, their families, or our country. The tragedy of 9/11 continues to be compounded by choices that deepen division abroad and at home, and shape our politics and priorities. In this light, there is one lesson I come back to: we strengthen our communities not by giving into division, but by committing to one another, by listening and showing up, and refusing to let fear and mistrust tear us apart.

I’m running to build a future where everyone belongs — because we’re stronger together than we are divided.

- Carleigh