One way that I have been able to connect with community members is through sharing a meal. This week, I met with a member of a group called Pennsylvanians Against the Death Penalty. During our lunch, we spoke about the trajectory of legislation to abolish the death penalty and the long-term strategy for implementing said legislation. From experiences such as this one, I have found that irrespective of differences in age or background, the people I am working with as a part of the abolitionist community all share a particular moral animus. 

I have also connected with a number of exonerees, many of whom I am proud to call my colleagues. Having been wronged by the justice system, I am perpetually astounded by their patience, diligence, and insights concerning the route to abolition. Despite having suffered personal harm as a consequence of our sickly criminal justice system, I have found that my exoneree colleagues aspire towards the end of the death penalty as a form of universal compassion rather than personal satisfaction. I have found this to be exceptionally inspiring for the example it sets in transforming one's hardship into an extensive project.

I am most concerned that I will not have sufficient time to make a meaningful impact! I think this is, however, a frivolous concern, as the evaluation of one's endeavors should not strictly be grounded in the yielded consequences. I do not necessarily anticipate my work being something that monumentally changes the trajectory of death penalty legislation in the United States or Pennsylvania; however, it will not be from a lack of trying.