Amid banners, flags and music, one element stood out: the growing presence of young people seeking to take part in shaping the nation’s future and the desire of the older generations for the younger ones to get involved.

Clad in colonial getup, blowup pig costumes and a sea of yellow, the peaceful protest in the Capitol’s backyard included a march down Pennsylvania Avenue, a musical guest and a range of notable guests — including Bill Nye the Science Guy.

The nation’s capital feels half-awake. The marble monuments still gleam under the fall sun, but the museums that give them voice stand dark and locked. Tourists wander quiet streets where government offices sit empty—a city paused by a shutdown now stretching into its third week.

As lawmakers on Capitol Hill struggle to find a consensus on the government’s spending bill, Baylor students continue to go about their day-to-day lives. Trouble in Washington doesn’t impact students in Waco, or does it?

No matter the issue, if there’s something you feel needs to be addressed or someone you feel needs to be represented, speak up for them. Your voice matters. You’ll never regret taking a bit of initiative to create positive change.

Baylor hosted the 15 Big 12 schools present at Capitol Hill over spring break by creating schedules, forming lobbying groups and holding group dinners. Not only did current Big 12 Institutions such as the University of Texas attend, but future Big 12 members such as the University of Houston and Brigham Young University were present as well.