Achraf Tchatikpi

ENG 21002

10/7/2018

Prof. Plochocki

Interview/Profile

My partner’s name is Hallie Sebastian. She is a freshman going to CCNY. Her Parents live in Sauquoit Valley, a small town in upstate New York, where she also grew up. She lived there up to recently when she had to move out to attend college. Her mother is from Ukraine and her dad is a Native American. Her family is very conservative politically, and one would infer that Hallie would be one also; however, she is not.

Sebastian did not travel much, she is also from a pretty uneventful town. Yet, she was still connected to the current events and to her generation with the help of internet and social media. This helped forge her unique perspective independent from her background. In fact, the first time she left New York State was when she attended the Women’s March in Washington D.C. with her High School friends, and right after President Trump was elected. the radicalization of the Republicans and their effects on legislations that hurt minorities and women for instance, helped triggered Sebastian activism. The election of Trump came as a major shock to her, she was really disappointed. When asked about what she thought of Trump, she replied after a long sigh, “I hate him so much!” Hallie Sebastian can be described as an outcast, at least to the extent of her upbringing. She is firm in her beliefs and is not afraid to fight for her convictions.

The women’s March was not only a mere activist moment for Sebastian, in fact it was a turning point and a decisive moment in her life. She realized in that moment that she has to be part of the change she wants to see in this country. She has decided to make her career goal, advocating for women rights. As she begins her college journey, she decides to study politics, with a focus in journalism. She is convinced it is a good outlet through which she can be part of the change, moving forward towards a better world.