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As college students, we oftentimes hear about the world around us and all the problems it possesses. We constantly hear about unsolved problems, pointing the finger at who should be responsible for solving them.
In many cases around the world, we would be powerless and completely dependent on our leaders. However, we live in the United States of America and college students here at Pepperdine can have a direct impact on the changes important to us.
An issue prevalent to students across campus and Malibu is dangerous speeding on Pacific Coast Highway, especially after the tragic crash that took the lives of four of our own: Asha Weir, Niamh Rolston, Deslyn Williams and Peyton Stewart.
“Given the dangers of PCH, the community’s indifference is unacceptable. We’re all busy, but ensuring our safety demands more effort. It’s not up to someone else. It’s up to you. If we don’t speak up for our future, we lose the right to complain when problems arise,” wrote Michel Shane, Malibu resident and co-founder of the Emily Shane Foundation, to The Malibu Times.
Since the crash, Malibu City Council has declared a local emergency for PCH speeding and reckless driving. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill in September to install five speeding cameras along PCH.
Newsom’s actions are a direct result of the community outcry following the Oct. 17 crash, starting at the city level and working its way through the state legislature to the highest office in the state. Though a tragic example, voters who make their voices heard have the power to make significant changes.
Elections are the most effective way to make our voices heard. Sure, it may be inconvenient to go to the polls or scary for first-time voters, but our generation has proven that inconvenience or fear will not stop us from making change happen.
Though we are not all from California and therefore some of us are unable to vote here, there are still ways every student can participate in important change. Advocating for change and talking to friends or other students who can vote here is an easy yet difference-making step. Further, Go Safely PCH is a resource kept up to date on PCH changes and ways for the community to get involved.
As students, we study changemakers and hope to be changemakers of the future. Voting is the way we can make change happen now. As students, we should exercise our power and right to vote to encourage change locally.
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