I cannot even begin to express how exhilarated and honored I feel at this moment. Today for me was not only a personal success but one that was shared with the country.





Yesterday I began organizing a walk-out for the day after war was officially announced at Big Foot Union School. I left flyers in all the bathrooms at 7 am yesterday morning and by 8, the word was spreading like hell fire and the administration was in uproar...lol. They were running into the bathrooms and removing the flyers...little did they know I still had 400 more of them with me. I heard controversy left and right...those opposed, those for...but no one knew who was behind it all yet. The day progressed and questions were asked..





"Will there be consequences?"


"Who put this together?"


"Is this a national thing?"





I answered the questions as they were asked, though kept my identity as hidden as possible when it came to my leadership. I didn't have any idea how this would turn out, but to me, if only I and one other person walked out of that building...it would have been a success to me.





Well today came, and word was still buzzing around. I had spoken to the police the night before and asked them to please be present and on our side. They agreed with pleasure, and I was surpised at how well they cooperated with me. I began to get extremely nervous as the clock hit 1:25...I quietly walked to the commons and waited. My stomach was absolutely churning.





As the clock hit 1:30 I waited nervously. At first I saw about 5 students walking down the hallway. They met up with me in the commons and I thought "Well, it isn't a huge turnout, but all that matters is we are here". But before I could even finish my thoughts I heard commotion and looked down the hall. I watched with my jaw dropped as classrom doors flew open and students poured into the hallways walking towards the commons in silence. I stood up and watched them come towards me, each one with their heads high, and all I could do was smile. I just felt this sensation of great pride as they stopped in front of me. I looked at them all and nodded my head and walked out the door.





I walked out in front of the building on the grass and turned around too see dozens upon dozens upon dozens following behind me. As everyone got out onto the grass, the administration followed and observed us quietly. Once everyone got out and the chatter began I asked for everyones attention and all heads turned towards me. I looked at them all and introduced myself for those who didn't know me and revealed that I was the culprit responsible for the flyers the previous day. I began to speak with them all about why I was there, and my beliefs. I then asked them all why they had come out there today. At first people were hesitant to say anything, but a girl, Kim, raised her hand and spoke. After that, ideas just came flowing out from everyone.





The emotions and passion that eminated from that group was overwhelming. One person after another giving their testimony, their convictions, their ideas, and sharing their care and consideration. These people were brimming with feelings, and I didn't want to see that all go to waste. Their were tears cried and hugs, laughs and smiles. (One of the most memorable moments is when a young pregnant girl began to shed tears because she did not want to have to tell her baby that her father was across the seas killing, and thats why he/she couldn't meet their father.) I brought out a petition for everyone to sign, and I gave them all a little Civil Disobedience 101..after that I explained different things they could do to support their cause and told them to never stop standing for their beliefs. So many people wanted to speak, and I made sure to give them all a chance to do so. Even a couple of pro-war people came out to speak with us, in which I was pleased that they did. It's always good to hear the other side, to let it all be known and listen to all points and perspectives. There were also about 20 pro-war people standing in the doorways to their school making snide remarks, in which was dealt with in a wonderful manner by a girl who told them "If you have something to say, don't just stand their in cowardice...come out here and speak! That is what this is for! Respect our opinions just as we do yours." Needless to say, they all went back inside their building.





I had sent out a press release the day before, but I was not aware of all the media present until they came up to interview me after the school day ended and the crowd left to go home. I was still in such a state of euphoria that I think I made an ass of myself in the interviews. I will have pictures up and newpaper articles scanned soon.





I know this was a long entry but today was of great importance to me. And I want to thank Garth and everyone else from the NIPG for all their support and suggestions. I couldn't have done this without them. I am so pleased...this was great success. I have 104 signitures on my petition. :)

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