United for a Resilient California

Celebrating Women Making Waves in Politics

I was excited getting an email of invitation from the office of Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh to attend her ceremony, reaffirming her continuing service in District 23. Some may say, it is awkward to attend a republican event if you are a democrat especially now a days or vice versa, As an independent - the desire to be unified, the freedom to choose between no parties and the unlimited opportunities to establish that strong connection to “anybody” regardless of their political affiliation are not responsibilities nor a choice, its independence and privileges of liberty. I was there as a woman celebrating a fellow woman, an American celebrating a fellow American. That day, she was celebrated for her unwavering dedication and years of public service representing nearly one million people of California’s Senate District 23, she was a former educator who once has doubt if politics is the right entity for her to be in, she is one of the rare government officials who’s sentiments reflect with her “light hearted personality”. Some would label her as “too sensitive” due to her vulnerability. On the contrary, I saw a woman who demonstrates her vulnerability through an act of humility, she is indeed one amongst who gained the public trust for many years because of her welcoming and warmth aura. At the end of the day, she is a Republican who represents all American citizens in her district.

Regardless of unfortunate stories I heard about family relationships being tainted by voting specific political party, friends who stopped talking to friends because of voting choices and neighbors who would argue and fight because of the continuous change in political landscape, I can only hope that now, more than ever, predicaments will be set aside and instead, all will have the sense of urgency for reunification to soothe the worrying nation.