Oftentimes I hear people wondering why they should vote if their ballot is only one in the millions cast each election. But I beg to differ. One person’s voice can be incredibly resonant.

Nelson Mandela once said, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond all measure.” This powerful statement that backs up my belief that one person can make a difference.

For those readers who have followed my columns throughout the early parts of this semester, you may have noticed a trend. I will occasionally encourage the readers to take action against some social injustice. Some readers may think, “Oh God, another liberal college kid is getting on his soapbox again.”

The intent of this is not so. My entire purpose is merely to educate.

If a person is aware of what is going on in the world and what resources are at their disposal, they can make a difference.

History, for once, is on my side in this issue.

No progress has ever been made without somebody taking the initiative. All great eras of this country have their stand out leaders.

One of the American Revolution’s greatest figures, yet one that goes forgotten quite often, is Thomas Paine. He was not a war hero or president, but he was able to persuade the masses through writing.

His pamphlet titled Common Sense convinced people that American independence was important.

If he had not found the courage to stand up for what he believed in, who knows how the American people would have rallied around the cause for independence.

One vote can make a difference, as well.

According to whitehouse.gov, President Andrew Johnson was to be impeached, but he was “tried by the Senate and acquitted by one vote.” If one member of the Senate had decided to vote differently, he might have been the only U.S. President to ever be convicted.

There are countless stories throughout history like these. I am sure there are many on this campus as well. Making a difference isn’t about what cards a person holds in their hand, but rather how they are played.

We are making history at this very moment. As I am writing this column our nation is in an economic crisis and one of the most contested presidential elections looms a little over one month away.

We supposedly learn from our mistakes. Will the things we dislike change because of these lessons? They say hindsight is 20/20; only time can vindicate our action or inaction. After all, our tomorrows are created today.

Andrew can be reached by e-mail at andrew.hedlund@asu.edu.