100 Stories: Freyja Helmer-Sindemark
As an ESL teacher, Freyja has seen the damage that funding cuts have done to students dependent on state educational programs. She knows Hillary and Democrats around North Carolina have her students in mind. She is confident Hillary will improve the perception of America around the world. She wants North Carolinians to be involved this election and encourages them to vote as soon as possible.
I have these students who are proof that immigrants do come here to become contributing members of society. Many of them have managed to get green cards, and they’re here for their children’s education. They’re here to give them more opportunities because it’s easier for them to get into a good university here.
They’ve given up jobs for the sake of their children and to feel more safe and secure. There are some that come here with limited language skills and work like crazy to learn to read, write, and speak English.
With the Republican supermajority in the NC General Assembly, the Democrats don’t have much chance of getting anything passed. Republicans have been busy reversing all the trends here in North Carolina. We used to support our education system for our teachers and young people, but jobs and opportunities are now going away because they’re turning the clock back. There is a lot at stake here in North Carolina. Our schools, our water, our air, our right to vote, our rights as women, and even some basic human rights are being threatened by the Republican-controlled government.
However, there tends to be a problem with complacency. Everyone needs to realize that they have to step up and be involved in some way.
It doesn’t have to be big. It’s so easy to go to Hillary’s website and say I’m in. They’ll send you tons of opportunities. You can easily say “yes” and get involved with the campaign.
We have family in different countries, and I know the perceptions of the two candidates. They are confused about Hillary’s opponent. We have lots of family and friends in Sweden, and we can’t get through a dinner without somebody saying, “What on earth? How can anybody vote for that man?” I promised them that I would do everything I could to make sure a Trump presidency does not become a reality. I want to make sure that a person who has the qualifications and temperament will be the face of our nation when other countries look at us.
Hillary is the person that will do the most good for the most people. She has energy and purpose, and she puts it to work to help the people who she represents. Nothing would happen if we left it all to other people. Hillary is a good example of that. She is out there. She puts talk into action.
We all need to do that.
I got involved thinking that I would just do a little bit. As I met more people, it really solidified my desire to see good people get elected to office, both locally and at the state level. Even though I have to do lesson plans, I can go out and knock on doors. Once you knock on the first door, it’s easy. I’m going to be working with the Wake County Democratic party to make sure people actually get to the polls. The more Democrats we get to the polls, the more likely we are to win.
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