When I think about the legacy of Charlie Kirk, I don’t immediately think about elections, political parties or even the debates that made him famous. I think about the countless young Americans he inspired to find their voice, stand for what they believe and become involved in something greater than themselves.
I know that because I am one of them.
Before Charlie’s assassination, I was quiet about my political beliefs. I knew what I believed, but I wasn’t always comfortable expressing those beliefs publicly. When Charlie was killed, my first reaction was fear. I remember promising myself that I would never speak publicly about politics again.
Ironically, the year that followed took me in the exact opposite direction.
Not long after Charlie’s death, I attended my first Turning Point USA (TPUSA) meeting at Slippery Rock University. That decision changed my life. I became involved with the chapter, attended conferences, met people from across the country, became more engaged in my community and gained the confidence to stand for what I believe.
More importantly, I found a community.
Some of the people I met through Turning Point have become my closest friends. They have supported me, challenged me, and helped me grow politically, personally, and spiritually. As someone who grew up Catholic, my faith has always been important to me, but the people I have met through this movement have challenged me to take that faith more seriously and strengthen my relationship with God.
To me, that is Charlie Kirk’s greatest legacy.
His legacy is not limited to one person or one organization. It lives on through young people across the country who are willing to use their voices, have difficult conversations, defend their beliefs, and become active participants in their communities.
My story is only one example.
There are countless students who may have strong beliefs but are afraid to express them. Others may simply be searching for a community where they feel like they belong. Charlie’s example should remind us that we shouldn’t allow fear or disagreement to keep us silent. We should be willing to listen, debate, ask questions and stand for what we believe.
A year ago, Charlie’s death made me want to stop using my voice. Today, his legacy reminds me why using it matters.
For students at Slippery Rock who want to do the same, I invite you to attend a TPUSA meeting or one of our upcoming events. You don’t have to have everything figured out, and you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room. Sometimes all it takes is showing up.
That’s what I did, and that one decision changed my life.
