Isobel, 17, works with Advocates for Youth and the AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland as a member of the Ohio Advocates.

My strong interest and passion for federal politics has guided me on a road to activism of all kinds, but only recently have I ventured on to explore youth sexual health education and rights. A few years ago I learned that the public school I used to go to did not teach any form of sexual education, including abstinence. To put it quite simply, there was nothing. Students had to learn on their own to be safe and that led to teenage pregnancies – and one miscarriage – by three of my friends.

Both angry and disappointed that their lives had been changed so drastically by no intention of their own, I have dedicated myself to spreading comprehensive sex education all around Ohio, specifically in southern counties. I am hoping that the Ohio Advocates training will give me the proper leadership skills and experience to not only resolve this concern, but encourage other youth to take control of their futures and ultimately improve their lives for good.

After I finish college and feel I have truly made a difference in the lives of Ohioan teenagers and young adults, it is my goal to pursue a career in politics in Washington, DC. My dream is that many years later I will have the opportunity to campaign for my own presidency and win.