With the growing presence of ICE raids all over the country, including those in Columbus, a group of Otterbein students felt called to act.
They demonstrated their opposition by participating in a local protest organized by Otterbein students, which was part of a larger protest — the ICE Out National Walkout. This protest illustrates a movement seen not only on Otterbein’s campus but also nationwide — young people are getting more involved in politics.
One of the leaders of the protest was Otterbein student and Heritage of Latin Americans (H.O.L.A) president Israel Lopez. Politics were not initially a priority for Lopez, but during his time at Otterbein, something changed.
It was shortly after the 2024 presidential election and talks of mass deportation when political issues became less distant. Lopez was seeing policy take shape that had direct implications on his community.
“I feel like I should have been much more involved years prior," said Lopez. "It’s something that I do regret. And when I saw that my community was being targeted, then I realized this was legit.”
As Lopez stood in the midst of togetherness and unified rage during this protest, a wave of clarity rushed over him. His calling — to stand up for those in his community — was solidified in that moment.
Westerville community members raise a sign as the protest shifts into State Street. Photo by Misael Hernandez
“I was really happy and proud of my campus," said Lopez. "Seeing this movement meant a lot, and I know that my community isn't alone on this.”
This protest was not an isolated event, but is part of a bigger movement. Young people are making their voices heard in the realm of politics across the country. They are doing it through protests, student organizations, and even elected office. 2024 saw a 170% increase in Generation Z legislators assuming office in the United States.
Munira Abdullahi is seated as an Ohio State representative at just 28 years old, making her the youngest in office — a vastly different experience from what she was used to, growing up as the oldest of nine children.
Abdullahi’s call to action came in 2020, when she felt let down by lawmakers as they, in her eyes, failed to properly act on the injustices that were shown during the Black Lives Matter movements. In the following years, Abdullahi said, other issues have been met with a lack of responsiveness.
“These decisions are being made about us [young people] without us in mind," said Abdullahi. "College student loans, tuition prices, housing prices, healthcare that we're not able to afford. These are decisions that are being made for us, and they affect our lives greatly.”
She wanted to see change, but it wasn’t coming fast enough. Abdullahi knew she needed to create room for young voices. People wanted to be heard, and she was willing to hear them.
“It's by having honest conversations, listening to people, and not trying to regurgitate a certain message over and over again," Abdullahi said. "I think people get very tired of politicians repeating the same message no matter who they're talking to, no matter what the other person is saying.”
State Representative Munira Abdullahi shares a laugh with other Ohio State Representatives during a meeting at the Ohio Statehouse.
Her openness earned respect from her community. However, from some established politicians, she receives pushback.
Abdullahi is told she does not have enough experience and needs to wait her turn. At times, she said she feels like she may be an imposter, but is constantly motivated by those she fought to give a voice to.
“I get very overwhelmed, and I remember there are people relying on me to speak up for them," said Abdullahi. "So you got to lock in. Just do it, thug it out.”
And “thugging it out” has paid off. Her influence has reached further than she could have ever imagined.
“I went to a conference in Turkey, and there were kids from Australia," said Abdullahi. "They were like, ‘We follow you, and I'm studying political science. Can you teach me more about politics?’ I was like, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’"
It was beautiful for Abdullahi, as an immigrant herself, to see her reach go global. Her representation is reaching aspiring politicians across the world who see her success as a bridge into more representation and having a bigger influence in the future.
On a more local level, young voices are moving into elected office within the Westerville community.
Daniela Beckett is Westerville City Council’s youngest member at just 33 years old. Beckett said she has been interested in politics from a young age, when she became passionate about fixing the problems in her country’s government.
“I have always been really loud," Beckett said. "I have always been like, ‘I'm going to speak up, and I don't care what happens.’ And in Colombia, that's basically like a death sentence.”
By the time Beckett moved to America at 23 for school, her political aspirations had been put on the back burner. However, after becoming a U.S. citizen and an active resident of the city of Westerville, Beckett saw the 2025 City Council election as an opportunity to serve her community and fulfill her dream.
“After I became a citizen and after a few years, I was like, ‘You know what? This is my dream. This is what I have always loved. So yeah, why not?'" said Beckett.
Just as Abdullahi did, Beckett had to answer to her perceived lack of experience due to her youth.
"Are you old enough to run? I'm like, ‘Yes, I'm old enough. That's the reason I'm running. I wouldn’t be putting my name on the ballot if I wasn't old enough.'”
As the youngest candidate, Beckett was challenged with making her voice heard while establishing legitimacy. The key for her was shifting attention from her age and focusing on what she could offer the residents of Westerville.
“It doesn't matter who dismisses you," Beckett said. "It doesn't matter if people want to hear you or not. If you're in a room with 50 people, and you were able to create an impact on one person, then that’s worth it.”
It’s not only in formal spaces where young people are making their voices heard. At Otterbein, students have established organizations such as campus chapters of Turning Point USA and Otterbein College Democrats to bring political engagement to campus.
Rowan Ratvasky is the president of the Otterbein University Student Government. He is currently working as a page in the Statehouse for state senator and democratic minority leader Nikki Antonio.
Ratvasky was first inspired to become politically involved after witnessing that activism could have real effects on his community.
“I was friends with someone whose parent was on Westerville City Council, and seeing the things that they were able to do and the change they made through the community was really inspiring, and led me to study political science,” said Ratvasky.
This year, Ratvasky co-founded Otterbein College Democrats in an effort to introduce some “much needed” younger voices into the party.
“In the Democratic Party, there's not a lot of young people," said Ratvasky. "It seems very disconnected. I mean, there are chapters of College Democrats and Young Democrats and others. But, as a young person, it is frustrating that we don’t have very many young people in local elected offices.”
Political activism can be more than holding office or passing laws. Having conversations and sharing thoughts can present an opportunity for everyone to be politically involved regardless of their career aspirations.
Jamin Sawyer (far left) poses alongside other members of Turning Point USA at Otterbein University with a high-ranking state official.
Jamin Sawyer co-founded Otterbein’s chapter of Turning Point USA in hopes of opening the floor to civil discourse between students on political issues. Sawyer noted that the rise of social media confrontation has led to increased polarization that has created a social gap between both political sides.
“It really hurts people on both sides to not see the opposing view and understand where they are coming from,” said Sawyer.
Through his work, he strives to converse with those he disagrees with and explore the causes behind why they hold their beliefs. Sawyer voiced how social media has fueled division and the fear to publicly speak out.
While that fear is very real, it should not prevent those who want to make a change from doing so. Abdullahi said she believes that is just what “they” want.
“Don't let that fear hold you back," said Abdullahi. "I think that's what older people who are not confident in themselves and who know they can't do the job properly, will try to instill into us to make us afraid, but young people have always been the forefront, so I always say, just go for it, and don't let that fear stop you from being you. You'll be surprised.”
No matter how they contribute or whichever side of the political aisle they fall on, there is a shared goal among the younger generations: they desire representation and transparency, and they want to be in the room where it happens.
Whether by organizing protests, running for elected office, or establishing student organizations, they are stepping out into the field, not content to be on the sidelines. They are already making their mark on our campus, in our state, and nationwide, and they are here to stay.
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