On the morning of Nov. 13, I had the choice of sleeping in another hour, because I was still on West Coast time, or getting dressed and going to Pete’s Diner in Washington, D.C.

I decided to get up and get dressed.

Around 7:50 a.m., I was faced with another choice. Only this one required more than just willpower. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) had just walked in and ordered his breakfast. I was faced with a choice. To speak or not to speak?

In these moments before making my choice, I was filled with anxiety, uncertainty, but overall a heavy fear. But I had made my decision. I, along with Carmen, shared my story with Speaker Boehner. Following this conversation, my day was filled with interview requests, and again I was faced with the choice; to speak or not to speak? I spoke.

In those moments before the camera went on or I picked up the phone, I was again filled with anxiety, uncertainty and fear. My trip to Washington, D.C. was a blessing in disguise. I expected to go to D.C., just talk to my representatives as I’ve done before, make some noise, try to bring attention to the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) and then head home.

While I was in D.C., I got to meet Civil Rights veterans Gwen Gamble, Deborah Smith, Jaylen and Jayslet Loya. Men and women who, as children, had taken part in the Children’s Crusade in 1963 in Birmingham, Ala., and had been arrested because of it. My trip to the United State’s capital allowed me to connect with other youth, from children to teens, who could relate to my struggles, my worries, my triumphs. My extended family and community grew and now I have allies from all over the United States.

I was able to speak to my representative Congresswomen Cathy McMorris Rodgers and let her know that immigration reform has to happen now. Families can’t wait, students can’t wait, I can’t wait. We’ve waited long enough. I was able to meet with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and talk about her support of immigration reform. Throughout my trip to Washington, D.C., I was faced with choices, all concerning the one thought, to speak or not to speak? This D.C. trip has only reinforced the idea that courage and bravery are only present when fear, anxiety or uncertainty is.

I don’t like talking in front of people; I don’t enjoy approaching intimidating politicians and sharing something personal. But this movement isn’t about me — there is no room for working inside your comfort zone and sometimes uncomfortable things have to be done. If you have the privilege to be involved, why wouldn’t you? This D.C. trip has taught me that you can’t bank on the word of one man. Boehner is only one man. This doesn’t stop at Boehner. Here in Washington, we’re looking for the leadership of our representatives such as McMorris Rodgers, Doc Hastings, Jaime Herrera Beutler and Dave Reichert. There is tremendous support for comprehensive immigration reform amongst the people of Washington, and we’re holding them accountable as representatives of our people.

My journey to D.C. and everything that happened while I was there taught me that the millions of human lives are more important than any fear or challenge any politician could ever give me. This movement isn’t going to stop any time soon. We’re going to keep on being loud, we’re going to keep on fighting. We are here, and we are not going anywhere.

Jenni Martinez is a Redmond High School junior.