As a high school senior, I devised a program which would encourage students to register to vote. On their 18th birthday, their locker was decorated with red, white, and blue streamers, and a birthday card with instructions on how to register to vote in Massachusetts. It was so successful, I wondered if it might be possible to introduce First Vote into other communities.

When Steve Grossman came to speak at an event at my school, I built up the courage to approach him about First Vote. Steve did not think twice about my ambitious idea. In fact, he invited me to lunch with him and Phil Johnston, the Massachusetts Democratic Party chairman, to discuss the initiation of a bi-partisan First Vote program. I was elated to have such encouragement and validation by such a well-known and successful local leader. Steve became my most ardent supporter, and with the help of State Senator Cheryl Jacques, I was able to integrate First Vote into more than 20 high schools in greater Boston.

After I graduated from high school, Steve continued to encourage my dream to build a career in public service. He was my advocate when I applied for, and received, a Truman Scholarship in 2006. I still marvel at the fact that Steve, who did not know me until I spoke to him after a school assembly, was willing to offer support and encouragement to a high school student with a dream. Steve’s belief that one person can make a difference, and his support of those who try to do just that, is a beacon for all of us. Now, as a graduate student at Yale, I still plan to lead a life of public service and I know that Steve’s support helped lead me to where I am today.