With my handmade poster in one hand and my camera in the other, I excitedly made my way to the National Mall in Washington D.C. for the March For Life rally. Thousands of people from all over the country would be gathering in one place to defend and to celebrate life and I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.

I went to the march last year, and it was such a positive experience that I wanted to do it again. After months of helping plan a trip and recruiting a few people to join, I flew out to to the capitol ready to go. Joined by junior Lilly Concannon, senior Anneliese Glickley, junior Taylor Pitzl and her mother, we spent a couple of days sightseeing and doing fun things around the city while we were there. From Smithsonian museums to visiting Arlington Cemetery to a day in Georgetown, it was a busy trip from the start.

One of the most powerful experiences of the trip was the pro-life Mass held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (try to say that five times fast). Tens of thousands of people flock to the church the night before the march to celebrate Mass together. We arrived three hours early to ensure a seat, but even then all the pews were taken. Sitting on the floor, we still had a decent view of Mass as deacons, priests and bishops from all over the country processed into the church, with organ music echoing throughout the church and incense billowing through the air.

Early the next morning, we began the day of the march with an essential Starbucks run, of course. Expecting long security lines like last year due to the fact that Vice President Mike Pence was there, we headed out early to ensure a good view of the rally. However this year no security meant no lines and we walked right in. A good view would be an understatement in this case. We arrived to a front row seat along the barricades and positioned ourselves so we could see all the action. With the stage directly in front to the left and the jumbotron above us to the right, we were all set.

The rally was full of energy and the it was a way to pump everyone up before the march. A long list of excellent speakers, including Pam Tebow and House Speaker Paul Ryan, gave their speeches and in return got cheers and applause from the crowd. Even President Donald Trump, who made history by being the first sitting president to address the march live from the White House was displayed on the jumbotron. It was a good way to start the day and prepare for the march.

Once the march started, we were moving pretty slowly and everyone was packed pretty close together since we were towards the front. It was sunny and warm as we made our way up Constitution Avenue. and I looked around at different signs people were carrying. For me, the march is such a positive and moving experience. People were chatting happily while others were praying or singing together.

Why is this event so important? I think when someone hears “pro-life,” the first and only thing they think of is the issue of abortion. While that for sure is part of the pro-life movement, it is just one piece of it.

Why I march is because I believe that all life is precious. Pro-life is supporting the unborn, the imprisoned, immigrants, refugees and the disabled. Pro-life is respecting all walks of life and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to life. Why I march is to defend the people who don’t get that chance. I don’t march to tell someone that their opinion is wrong or to argue with them. I don’t march to teach anybody a lesson. I march to share my views and my beliefs. I march to spread awareness for the issues of pro-life. No one has to agree all the time, but I think it’s important to be open and to listen to others.