I have been involved in politics for as long as I can remember. The key influence in my involvement has always been the community I have always belonged to, the one that has shaped my values and ignited my passion for social action: The Jewish community. I have volunteered with Aging True and Meals on Wheels making and delivering Christmas dinners every year, spent countless hours in hot warehouses with Books for Africa over several summers, spent every memorial day in high school as a volunteer counselor at Camp Jenny, and served for two years as the Social Action Vice President for the Jacksonville Area Federation of Temple youth. My involvement in the Jewish community has always been intertwined with my passion for helping others and doing my part to work towards a sustainable society with equal rights and equal opportunity for everyone; regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Since I’ve been old enough to know my stances on the issues, I have worked to educate myself and my peers on policy, candidates for local offices, and ways to get involved. I have marched in national protests in D.C., lobbied members of Congress, helped organize local protests, planned political advocacy programs in my high school and at my temple, and did everything I could to live sustainably and encourage others to do the same.
When I got to college, I found myself with a whole new range of ways to get involved. For my first semester here at UCF, I was hesitant in putting myself out there right away, and I found myself observing the political climate and watching from the background as I felt myself losing touch with all of the activism I had been a part of in Jacksonville. Though I had lost a large part of my community in moving to Orlando, I found a whole new one with Anna Eskamani. Her boldness and her incredible attitude towards politics got me inspired to get involved all over again. Her warmness and kindness melted away all of the hesitation I had previously felt and left me more ready than ever to stand up to all the problems our state faces. Her stances on the issues inspired me to attend more events in the community on her behalf, and that is why I am here today. Anna has made it clear to me that she is absolutely the best choice for the Florida House, and I know that she will move on to even bigger and better things, and I am absolutely honored to work for change on her behalf.
Unfortunately, I can’t make the change this community deserves on my own. Anna’s campaign gives way to countless opportunities for everyone to get involved, and bring the progressive action District 47 needs. Your time, and your effort, are the only things we ask you for, and are the only things standing between you and the change that this community, and this state, deserves.
Sara Branly is a 2020 Campaign intern and Freshman at the University of Central Florida studying Philosophy and Integrated Business.