Brittney Engelken is a registered nurse who discusses why she engages in politics for her children, other women, and to represent change. She wants her children to be active and informed citizens even if they disagree. She advocates for women's rights including reproductive care, equal rights, equal pay, and bodily autonomy. Engelken believes change happens through active participation in local, state, and federal politics through voting, research, and informed decisions. She has learned about checks and balances between the three branches of government and their distinct powers. Engelken was surprised by social media's role in politics and how common executive orders are now compared to earlier presidents. She found federalism and its impact on the pandemic

1. BRITTNEY ENGELKEN
Registered Nurse (RN)

2. WHY ENGAGE IN
POLITICS?• For my children. It’s important for me to fight for what I believe in.
Even if they disagree with me, I want them to know how to use their
voice and be active in a responsible manner. If they see their parents
involved, it gives them more of a reason to care themselves.
• For other women. This encompasses many different aspects, such
as reproductive care, equal rights, equal pay, bodily autonomy for
women of all races. There are so many examples of women being
repressed and their rights being challenged.
• You have to represent the change you want to see. Change doesn’t
just happen because we want it to, so its important to have an active
role and engage at change at local, state, and federal levels. You
have to get out and vote, you have to stay informed, do research, to
make educated and informed decisions.

3. I already knew about checks and balances, but I really enjoyed learning about
the actual powers that each branch of government was entitled to, as well as
what the separate branches regulate as well as why it is important. I took civics
and government my freshman year of high school, so I couldn’t remember any
of the specifics, nor did I care, as politics didn’t matter to me then. However, as
an adult, it was much more informative and interesting.
I was very fascinated to learn how big of a role social media actually has in
politics, especially amongst younger adults.
I didn’t realize that executive orders are quite common amongst modern
presidents, roughly 30-40 signed yearly, in contrast with earlier presidents who
issued executive orders in more of a sparse manner.
I was also not very familiar with federalism, and I have found that to be a very
intriguing topic, especially when we discussed federalism and how it affected
the pandemic.
THINGS I’VE LEARNED

4. WHICH POLITICAL ISSUE WILL AFFECT
FUTURE GENERATIONS?
4
I think that the overturning of Roe vs Wade will affect future generations and is the
most important political issue right now. So many have completely focused on
abortion, however the picture is so much larger, and abortion is just a small piece of
the puzzle. First and foremost, reproductive care should be left to a doctor and their
patient, state government should not govern our bodies. I think that there should be a
national threshold for abortion. In my opinion, 6 weeks is to early, and 34 weeks far to
late. I feel that 20 weeks is pushing it, but it meets in the middle. I have a problem
with pregnancy that results from rape or incest and the mother not having a choice in
the matter. I completely disagree with doctors being unable to perform an abortion
until the mother is in a life-threatening situation. I think that there are far too many
scenarios to and millions of women to consider. I plan to be an emergency room
nurse, and I’ve heard from other nurses that the instances of attempted home
abortions are rising, mothers are being forced to carry a non-viable fetus, and high-
risk pregnancies are being ignored. Children have had to travel out of state to receive
reproductive care that is illegal in their home state, and this is a miniscule fraction of
the reasons I think that this is a battle worth fighting. It is about the access to
healthcare for women and the right to bodily autonomy, however, abortion has
become the single most focused on aspect, which has in turn stirred up much
controversy.

5. I think that the first amendment is the most important,
however it is difficult to choose just one. I believe that
the freedom of religion, right to assembly, freedom of
expression, and the right to petition are extremely
important rights. The first amendment guarantees the
citizens of the United States the same rights regarding
these freedoms. Currently, there are many things going
on in our country that many are torn by, and many
americans are feeling a call to assemble and protest for
their basic rights. Its equally as important that all
citizens have the right to exercise and express their
religion freely. However, I also do believe that
separation of church and state is very important as well,
and this is something that should be kept in mind in
regards to politics. The right to free speech is very
important but must be used in a responsible manner.
We have to remember that everyone has a difference of
opinion, and its okay to express your own opinion, while
still being respectful of others. One important thing that
my dad has always told me is you are guaranteed these
freedoms, but you must still take responsibility for your
actions and any consequence that may arise.

6. 6
I have thoroughly enjoyed this class and have learned quite a bit
during these past few weeks. I have learned more in depth about the
election process and also how different levels of govern regulate and
keep each other in balance. I believe that it is important to
understand how our government works in order to be an effective
part of its processes. There are so many rules and regulations that
are a part of the election process that I didn’t know, and I feel that this
is true of many Americans. I feel that in order to bring the next
generation of adults into this world, it is important to understand as
much as you can so that you can prepare them the best you can how
to be responsible, and contributing adults in society. By better
understanding, we open doors for ourselves and others.