Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Ewald.
Ashleigh, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Shenyang China, on October 6, 2002, when the One Child Policy was currently active. The One-Child Policy required Chinese families to have one child and was enacted in the late 1970s. This was probably one of the reasons why my biological parents gave me up. I was born medically affected by a cleft-lip and an orphan until the age of four.
I was adopted from the orphanage when I was 4, then brought to Georgia. My adoptive parents struggled to raise me. That was until I was fortunate enough to be adopted again by my present adoptive parents. Meeting a Holocaust survivor in 5th grade inspired me to be a politician and protect human rights. In addition, my public speaking gift inspired me to be a motivational speaker, along with being a political leader. Then, in middle school, my passion for politics and public speaking genuinely began to take off. Afterward, I was able to focus more on what I wanted to do and be persistent about my goals.
Presently, I am a junior at Wheeler High School, involved in Student Government CO-VP twice, Varsity Public Speaking Club, Journalism, NHS, and my intention in being involved is to be the change starting within my school. November 11, 2019, I created an Immigration Advocacy Organization that helps educate students about the naturalization process while collecting hygiene items to donate to ICE Detainees centers. Next year, I will be a senior and will work my hardest to help students be represented throughout the school, and hopefully, get closer to my dreams.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road to get where I am now. I used to struggle in elementary school and would get in trouble for misbehaving. Then in middle school, I decided to change and be a better student. I chose to not procrastinate, study, be organized, and hard-working. That enabled me to be able to obtain straight A’s throughout my middle school years. However, I remember being that girl left out of the popular crowd because I wasn’t considered cool enough. Therefore, I remember meeting the Holocaust survivor in 5th grade that enlightened me to be a politician and I felt guilty because I wasted my time trying to be accepted. I then focused on my goals and was able to, fortunately, begin to achieve them. I would take every opportunity I could that would help me get closer to becoming a political leader. In high school, I learned that everyone has their timeline and to not compare yourself to others.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
I am the founder of my high school’s Immigration Advocacy Organization and I am known for my leadership skills, motivational speaking, and being a growing activist. I believe that my passion and determination to be the change by being the political leader that I wish there were more of today and that is what makes me unique.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I enjoy most about our city are diversity and culture. Our city has potential and can continue to grow as a whole if we keep encouraging people to become involved within the community. The homeless on the streets and crime is what I dislike the most about our city. As a solution, we can vote for candidates that will help build programs that support those in need and teach them how to get an occupation. Therefore, individuals can have more opportunities in finding a job and live a suitable life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ashleighewald
Image Credit:
Ashleigh Ewald
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