Marching On

 

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.

 

 

Our second installment in our “Marching On” blog series, features Sean Maguire.  Sean, from Lynchburg, Virginia, is a second-year law student at Liberty School of Law.  If you are interested in sharing your “Marching On” story, please contact us HERE.  We may share it on our blog or social media!  

Read Sean’s story and inspiring words below:

When did you first come to the March for Life?

My first trip to the March for Life was my freshmen year of college in 2010.  I had become president of our pro-life club on campus, and organized a trip, even though I didn’t know what we were doing!  But I knew it was important, so we just learned as we went.  I’ve been going to the March for Life every year since.

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

My March for Life experience this year was a bit different.  A friend in my group had twisted her ankle, so we decided to do the march on our own prior to the official start.  It was a great opportunity to be reflective, and to have a quiet, prayerful time, even amidst the busy city and growing crowds.  We also got to see some of the groups on display, which was a great reminder of how many groups are out there with which to be involved!  We then ran into some 40 Days for Life folks from our local area – that was a reminder that while the pro-life movement is vast, it’s a small world too, and there are so many people in our community with whom we can work together.

How have you been marching on for life since January?

I was able to help with the spring 40 Days for Life campaign in Roanoke, VA, in addition to doing sidewalk counseling outside an abortion facility, which is so meaningful.  I also had the opportunity to start an official pro-life group at my law school, and raise funds for the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center and Liberty Godparent Home.

This summer, I had the honor of interning for the Liberty Center for Law and Policy and was able to research and write memos and blogs on pro-life isues, as well as research and write a memo on unconstitutional local city rules that hinder pro-life activism.  I’ll be sending that to the city council in hopes of getting a change that helps more people in Roanoke to be courageous for life.

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

In many ways.  Right now, I will continue to encourage other students to get involved, and get connected.  In the long term, I see myself being involved politically and legally, in ways similar to my Roanoke city rules project. I want to spend my entire life making sure pro-life laws and policies are passed, and fighting those that laws that destroy life and hinder religious liberty. 

What’s your advice for fellow young people?

Wherever you are, get involved.  You don’t have to reinvent the wheel either, just join an organization or group, but don’t limit yourself.  There’s so much you can do right around you, for example, do a 5K fundraiser for your local pregnancy resource center.  Just do something. 

Note: After the 2013 March for Life, Sean’s pro-life group made this video:

 

It’s hard to believe it’s been six months since the March for Life! Which means it’s also six months until January 22, 2015 and we’re certainly busy with plans for the 42^nd March for Life. At this mid-point in the year, we want to highlight a few stories of young people and how they have “marched on” for life after January, and how the March for Life has impacted their lives and those around them.

Our first interview is with Rachel del Guidice. She’s from Ashland, Ohio, and is currently a junior at Franciscan University majoring in Communications and minoring in Journalism.

(Rachel, in middle, with friends at the 2014 March for Life)

When did you first come to the March for Life?

My first year at the March for Life was 2006, I believe, and I was 12 years old! I’ve been every year since with either my church or my school.

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

Molly Anne Dutton’s story really impacted me. Stories like hers are what will change people’s hearts and minds because they touch the heart. Molly Anne’s story shows how the culture of death can be rejected. And of course, just being part of the event. It’s inspiring and the pictures don’t do it justice.

How have you been marching on for life since January?

I’ve been involved with my college’s abortion clinic outreach – we pray outside the clinic every Saturday.  It’s hard, but it’s so important to pray – not only for the people going into the clinic, but for everyone in our group. I was also inspired to intern for a pro-life organization. I was blessed with the opportunity to intern for the Family Research Council, a pro-life and pro-family policy and grassroots organization.

It’s definitely different for every person though – how they “march on” and impact their community. We are each called to witness to the cause of life, even if it is “just” praying.

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

I’m not sure specifically, but I definitely want to be in a position with purpose, so that I can do something every day to impact our culture.

What’s your advice for fellow young people?

Don’t get deceived by the culture. Know where you came from, who you are and the reason why you do what you do. You have to search your heart every day and think about how you can make a difference.

 

Did you attend the 2014 March for Life? Were you inspired to “march on” for life back at your school or community? We would LOVE to hear your story too! You can submit a brief description of how you have “marched on” for life HERE. If your story is chosen, we will contact you to learn more about what you have been doing for the cause of life since January 22, 2014. We’ll feature you in a blog and on our social media, as a way of inspiring every Marcher. We look forward to hearing from you!