As students, we learn about free speech from a young age. We learn about the Revolutionary War, how America was born, and our rights as American citizens. Yet, when I discovered these crucial lessons, free speech always stuck out among the rest.
I am the youngest sister and a perfect storm of my parents’ temperaments. Therefore, I have always been quietly outspoken. Any emotion I feel is written all over my face, and my anger does not fully appear until it is already overflowing. Furthermore, I experience every circumstance intensely. When I am hurt, I am demolished. When I am happy, I am elated. When I love someone, I will die for them. With these ideas in mind, it is necessary to my being that I can express my thoughts. My feelings would not be authentic if I did not have free speech.
I stay very true to my morals. For this purpose, I am unshakeable in what I believe. Once I make up my mind, no one can change it. Free speech allows me to maintain a moral compass through my core beliefs. Honesty, determination, and loyalty are integral to my character. Thankfully, I have the freedom to share these virtues openly.
Lastly, my love for reading and writing is another aspect of my individualism. Since I learned how to read, I had a book in my hand. From comprehending these tales and interpretations, I recognized my journalistic calling. It is critical that these authors properly convey their ideas. Their words left an impression on me that would have been impossible if freedom of speech was not legal. Nonetheless, I will follow in their footsteps. I am the sum of the knowledge I have absorbed, and my opinion matters.
Free speech is imperative to human expression. My identity is tied to communication. Like my name or my genetics, it is another part of me.