When I first stepped onto the University of Pittsburgh’s campus, I felt more nervous than excited. Pitt is a large, very liberal public university, and I was scared that my conservative values would isolate me. I worried I would have to stay silent in my classes, and often it did feel suffocating, like I had to suppress what I truly believed in order to fit in. But early in my college journey, I discovered something that would change everything: the Turning Point USA chapter on campus.
Joining Turning Point was the first time I felt connected to a broader conservative community. It gave me a safe space to be myself and to know that I was not alone in my beliefs. The friends I made through that chapter became a source of joy and encouragement. Finding that group was the start of a larger journey, one that drew me deeper into conservatism and especially into the pro-life movement. Looking back, I do not know where I would be without that beginning.
One of the most impactful moments came when Charlie Kirk himself visited our campus before the 2024 election. At a place like Pitt, where conservative students often feel pressured to keep quiet, his presence created something truly remarkable. The event brought out hundreds of students who were not afraid to show their support, and it was a powerful reminder that we were not as alone as we thought.
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That same day, many students wore conservative gear and the MAGA hats that Charlie tossed into the crowd. Normally, that would feel unthinkable on our campus. But for that one day, students felt safe because Charlie was there and so many others were standing with him. Students on our campus were bold because they saw Charlie Kirk’s witness.
Charlie’s influence extended far beyond Pitt. He not only made Pittsburgh a priority, but also Pennsylvania and the nation. He visited countless college campuses, spreading his message of truth to students across the nation. His mission was not just about politics, but about the importance of everyday conversations. He understood that courage and conviction are what inspire change, and he showed us that living out your values with confidence can open the door to real dialogue.
That message resonates deeply with me as a member of the pro-life movement. Just like Charlie did, we are called to change hearts and minds. Our mission is not only to defend life quietly but also to reach individuals one by one, whether that is on social media or through in-person outreach. Charlie laid a foundation by modeling what it looks like to speak truth boldly and compassionately, even in environments where it feels unpopular or unsafe.
As I continue my pro-life journey, I know that the mission Charlie Kirk inspired in me is not finished. It is something my generation must carry forward, especially when it comes to protecting life. There are countless opportunities to have conversations that matter, plant seeds of truth, and ultimately save lives.
Charlie Kirk showed me that courage is possible, that boldness is powerful, and that using my voice really can truly make a difference. My hope is that Gen Z will continue that mission, not with fear, but with boldness, compassion, and conviction.
LifeNews Note: This appeared on page one of the October edition of National Right to Life News.
