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Last month, I was asked by my work to participate in UCR's advocacy team to advocate to legislators about more resources for our students and school. At first, I was intimidated. As a young woman, there are very few impactful women leaders. When we do have them, they are criticized. However, I realized that if I were not to go, I would be participating in the patriarchy because "patriarchy can exist without men having oppressive personalities" (Patriarchy, the System, Allan G. Johnson, 2014). Patriarchy persists through participation in it. Therefore, I realized I needed to go to be a representation for other women.

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I was asked to advocate for resources, and that's what I did. I walked into the Capitol building and met with several legislators to address bills that we wanted to be passed. We asked for their support and I gave reasons from a student perspective on how these bills could greatly help us. Most of the meetings were successful. Many of the legislators are big supporters of UCR and higher education in general. I felt nervous when the day started, however, my Mock Trial experience and public speaking instincts kicked in as soon as the meetings began.

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After the day of meetings was finished, we held a reception to finish our trip. At this reception, all of the legislators attended and brought their staff members. I was asked to deliver a speech to talk about my UCR experience. I talked about my experience as a first generation woman in higher education and asked for legislators to invest their resources and support in UCR. At this moment, I began to realize the privilege and power I held. It was still difficult for me to believe that a first generation woman was in a position to make a change, and how that woman was myself.

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This trip changed my perspective on identity as a whole. Before this trip, I was always taught that a woman should be quiet about issues. I was taught that a woman shouldn't be passionate. However, after spending time with women who base their careers off of their passion, I realized that I was taught from a mindset of fear. I was taught from a family that encouraged the patriarchy because of cultural differences. Now, I am "participating in a new value system, leaping in the dark, challenging the collective" (La Frontera, Gloria Anzaldúa, 1987). I've realized the importance of challenging cultural and gender norms and I have leaned into that newly- found passion. As a result, I will be attending law school in the fall to continue challenging norms.

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On my flight to Sacramento, I sat next to Council member Clarissa Cervantes of Riverside and Denise Davis of Redlands. The flight in itself was empowering and took the feel of intimidation away. As women who work in a male- dominated field, I was expecting them to diminish their feminine personalities. However, they didn't. They were unapologetically feminine and yet have proven to be effective leaders of their districts. They didn't feel the need to prove their masculinity because that isn't what gives them power or confidence, just like "there is no essential femaleness or maleness, femininity or masculinity for humans" (The Social Construction of Gender, Judith Lorber, 1994). There is no need to prove something that isn't essential.