Follow:
Activism

How I Met Bernie Sanders & Words to Live By

Last Week, destiny decided to reward me & it started with an office rumor.

If you don’t already know, I currently work in a campaign office. I spend my weeks crafting creative content, structuring social media strategy and developing photographs for a local senate campaign. There is always a lot happening at once but the best part about a campaign office is that everybody seems to know everything and anything.

So on Monday morning, there was an office rumor that Bernie Sanders and Hilary Clinton were coming to Philadelphia. Bernie Sanders had apparently already begun organizing locations to speak at and Hilary was yet to formally announce whether or not she would be speaking anywhere public at all. The next day, I woke up to various articles from “The Tab” and “HerCampus” announcing that Bernie Sanders was coming to speak at the Liacouras Center at my school, Temple University.

The minute I confirmed this information, I made a decision in my head. I was going to hear Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders speak and I was going to meet him. The funny thing is, you probably think I’m joking. But I am a planner and an ambitious one at that.  Almost everything great I have experienced came to be because I had some radical idea in my head that other people thought was absurd. If there is one thing I’ve learned in my lifetime, it’s that there are always a bunch of people ready to roll their eyes at your goals. And those people never know what they’re talking about.

Right away, people were quick to laugh at the idea that I was determined to meet Bernie Sanders. Never question the powers of theameliaburns.

Last Tuesday, I received an email from the Bernie Sanders Campaign that announced that they would be giving out wrist bands at a disclosed location that would allow supporters to “skip the line” for his speaking event. I assumed this was my chance, but really it was only the beginning of a huge opportunity. 

Earlier in the day, I had begun toying with the idea of trying to score a press pass for the rally. So while at the Pre-Rally, I located about 7 volunteers working for the Sanders campaign. I attempted small talk, intense interview tactics and even some desperate flirting to try and score some information about attaining press passes. Everyone was honestly just very confused by my inquiries.

I ended up walking away with 3 random emails that a few volunteers thought might be able to help. I drafted some emails and made some calls. I hoped that someone would take pity on me and offer me an opportunity. I truly believe that sometimes all you have to do is ask the right question.

Later that night, I opened my inbox to find one lonely message from a guy who said he could help me and a private application for a press pass to see Bernie Sanders speak. An hour later, I was approved for a pass to attend not the massive Bernie Sanders Rally happening at my university but a small, invite-only community discussion with candidate Sanders.

Bernie Sanders Press Pass

Excitement couldn’t possibly do as an adjective for what I was feeling. I realized that my social anxiety needed some company for this event. I contacted a couple of my friends and eventually led to convincing my “Big” (fraternity) brother to apply for the same pass, who also ended up scoring one. I mean, what else is a “little” good for?

big and little

Wednesday afternoon, we headed to the United Methodist Church in downtown, Philadelphia. I wish I could tell you that I totally played it cool when my name was on “the list.” But I definitely didn’t.

By the time Bernie Sanders had arrived, the small church wasn’t even filled. The people who were in attendance were local community members, advocacy groups and press who were personally invited by the campaign to partake in a discussion with Senator Sanders. I was in shock when he walked onto the church platform. This man was exactly the same person he was in front of the camera. By the time the event had formally begun, Jack and I had crawled down the church aisles with our cameras. I wasn’t just watching Bernie Sanders, I was sitting directly in front of him.

12992904_1308527899176746_1556149847_n bernie sanders community conversation

The entire conversation was surreal. I couldn’t believe that already in the beginning of my journalism career I was in front of a current presidential candidate. Documenting my experience and trying to take in the moment. It was hard to forget that I wasn’t just watching TV and in fact, living that moment right then and there.

bernie sanders speaking

He discussed a diverse amount of issues affecting the Philadelphia community and was very receptive to the concerns of parents, leaders and officials. The conversation included police brutality,college tuition rising, the war on drugs, high unemployment rates and the future of children in poverty. I was very impressed by how educated he was on the connection between all of these issues. He seemed to genuinely understand everyone’s personal struggles and I truly believe that he is someone who is inspired to make a difference.

shaking hands with bernie

At the end of the conversation, Bernie stepped off the stage to speak personally with the people of Philadelphia. Even today, it’s hard to recall what exactly went on in that moment of chaos. All I remember is trying my best to remain firm while I shook hands with my first presidential candidate and shyly introduced my self.

philly blogger and bernie press

I may not be the most poised journalist yet but I am slowly on my way to becoming one. This experience was unbelievable and I am more inspired than I have ever been. If you’ve made it this far in my blog post than I hope you walk away with this:

If other people can do something than so can you. Don’t let the people who roll their eyes at big dreams turn you into them. It will only make life boring.

This is Amelia Burns, signing off,

XO

TheAmeliaBurns

Share on
Leave a comment

You may also like

1 Comment

  • Reply katie

    Looks like a good time!

    ​xx katie // a touch of teal

    April 17, 2016 at 10:43 pm
  • Leave a Reply