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I voted this week. I also started my first REAL social work position in a school. One of these was disheartening. One of these was the exact opposite of disheartening. For the next few weeks I will work with grade school students. Walking through the halls of a grade school and seeing the bright, eager eyes and hopeful hearts of so many young people just starting their own journey through this world is the inspiration behind these words. These children, and ALL children, deserve the best future possible.

In thinking about what is the BEST future, I realized something important, at least for myself. As adults who are responsible for the care and upbringing of children, I truly believe that each of us act in ways that we BELIEVE will create the best future possible. We disagree about how to create the best future, but the goal is the same. I truly believe we all want our children to be safe, happy, healthy, educated, and with equal opportunities to pursue whatever goals and life choices are important to them as individuals.

I also realized that one man OR woman OR non-binary, any ONE individual, elected as the President of the United States is not able to secure the future our children deserve. Whoever is elected as the next President of the United States, the responsibility to our children remains with me, and you, and us. In order to create the future ALL our children deserve, it is up to US, all of us, working together. Yes, I know we are divided. I see how messed-up things are presently. I can absolutely feel the hatred. The desperation. The chaos. I am not above any of this; but when I look into their eyes, I can also see the glimmer, the hope, the faith. “Please don’t let me down.”

I accept this responsibility. And whatever happens this election, I will rise to this responsibility, as best as I am able, whatever the situation might be. I will be hopeful. I will NOT feel disheartened. And I will do what I can to make this a better world for ALL our children.