Our next “Marching On” interview introduces you to Cassandra Jimenez, from St. Joseph’s, Missouri.  Cassandra, 16, is a sophomore at Bishop LeBlond High School.  Cassandra shared some of her experiences from the 2014 March for Life in an online essay called, “Unforgettable Lessons Learned at March for Life.”  Read what she’s been up to since January, and don’t forget you can share YOUR “Marching On” story with us HERE.

When did you first come to the March for Life?

I first came to the March for Life in 2011 when I was in 7^th grade on a trip with my school.  This past January was my second trip, and it impacted me greatly.

What was your biggest take-away from this past March for Life?

This year, I was most impacted by the reality of how abortion harms women and families.  I had a powerful conversation with a post-abortive woman whom I met at the top of the Hill as we were marching, right before the Supreme Court. (Here’s a quote from Cassandra’s essay at Catholic Key Online)

When I got to the top of the hill there was a woman standing there with a sign that said, “I regret my abortion.” I think when she saw me crying, she wanted to comfort me. She walked up to me and told me about her pain and sorrow and everything she has lost. She cried and hugged me and confided to me, “I made the wrong choice but I can be the one to help many others make the right decision.” She kissed me on my forehead and sent me up to the courthouse. I walked up to the courthouse and heard so many stories from women who have had abortions.

It became clear to me that while the media says that abortion is positive, they ignore the horrible impact it has on women, and families.

How have you been marching on for life since January?

I had the opportunity to write an essay about my experience at the March for Life and was able to read it at my church and have it published in our diocesan newspaper, to spread the truth about the March and abortion.

I’m also speaking at a Walk for Life in my town, and at a rally at my school this fall.  Not many people know about the March for Life, so it will give me an opportunity to share my experiences and what I learned about abortion and its impact on women.

How do you see yourself being involved in the pro-life movement in the future?

I hope to keep attending the March for Life – until we don’t have to march anymore!  And I want to keep talking about the March and sharing the pro-life cause to help people understand what a huge problem abortion is.

What’s your advice for fellow young people?

Stick to what you believe in, and keep working at it!  By doing that, people will see the reason why you do what you do, and hopefully you can join them to the pro-life cause.