Movement

Heart beating fast, I walk hurriedly. Where are the people? Late. This way. Follow the crowd. Nope, wrong way. Follow the signs. Walk, call Eli, stop. Walk, call Eli, stop.

As I look around me, I see

People. They are handing out flyers, holding up mics for broadcast interviews, or taking pictures of others. I haven’t been to such a crowded place in a while. There is noise coming from the road. As I look out to the march between railings, I see the Philippine flag waving, a band playing, and people shouting. On the big screen, everyone was dressed for the occasion and holding up signs. It’s 59th street. An overwhelming sensation came over me–witnessing all of the colors and uproar was altogether very inspiring.

Heart beating fast, I walk back the way I came. Where is my class? I make a right and see

Policeman blocking off roads and people watching from the sidewalks. It was just like a concert I went to a few weeks before. Who’s the celebrity? Leonardo DiCaprio was there apparently, but it wasn’t about him. It was about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Together, we created something amazing.

Over 400,000 people marched. Once united with our class, we took pictures, joined in battle cries, and sang to the Hindu drummers behind us. Many of my peers, friends and family did not care much about the issue. However, at the march, I saw people who proved that we could make a difference. Their very presence made me realize that I wasn’t alone in this agenda. Nobody was. And it didn’t matter how old you were. I remember seeing little boys on their fathers’ shoulders– if you were there, you had an impact. It made me feel like I was actually part of a huge political movement. It made me feel like I helped.

Heart beating fast, I held up my poster for crowds to see until my arms hurt. It read: “NO TIME TO WASTE.” Thank you for inviting us to this wonderful experience, Professor!