One of my goals as a Nuclear Age Peace Foundation intern is to raise awareness about the dangers associated with nuclear weapons. As part of this mission, our organization is hosting Sadako Peace Day, an annual event to remember the story of Sadako Sasaki and pay tribute to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9). 

This year, I will be one of the speakers at the event. I will be sharing the personal story that drew me to care deeply about the issue of nuclear weapons. Some of the attendees of the event will be people who have dedicated their entire lives to advocating for nuclear disarmament, and I believe that sharing a personal narrative—rather than simply presenting statistics—is a powerful way to connect with them.

My biggest concern is that, as someone just beginning their journey in the field, I may not be as knowledgeable or experienced as other participants. I wonder if I’ll be able to offer new perspectives in a room filled with long-time advocates and experts. To prepare, I’ve been seeking guidance from the President of the Foundation and asking for help in finding additional resources. This support is helping me feel more confident and informed as I develop my remarks and continue to learn about the broader landscape of nuclear disarmament.