When I meet with young people, and think about our future, I am optimistic. At the Colorado Civics Bee competition, I met a student who is a powerful reason for such optimism: Joseph Drexler. He is a remarkable 14-year-old high school student from Buena Vista, who is bringing light to Colorado by calling on us to step outside of our information bubbles, get involved in our communities, and transform negative feelings into positive actions.
Inspired by his vision, I offered to mentor him as he prepared for the national competition. As I shared with the Denver Post, we need more empathy, more kindness, and more young people like Joseph who are concerned about building a community where people can listen to one another.
Part of what makes today’s world so challenging is that many people are more disconnected and lonelier than ever before. We need more listening, more collaborative problem-solving, and less demonization of others. Joseph is an inspiration–proving that such work is not only necessary, but also possible. As we approach Thanksgiving, many of us will have the opportunity to ask questions and truly listen to family members who may have voted differently.
John Lewis, encapsulated this sentiment before he passed: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Do not become bitter or hostile. Be hopeful, be optimistic.” He, like Joseph, believed that we can find a way forward for a brighter future. I share that belief and am convinced that we must and will defend the core values of our democratic republic.
