Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?
It’s funny how one small moment can stick with you for years—the conversation you didn’t have, the voice you didn’t use.
Some might say I live a quiet, even isolated life. The most well-known person I’ve met—depending on your politics—is Representative Glenn Grothman, who serves in the U.S. House of Representatives for our district.
It was a Friday night in 2017 at a local fish fry—few things capture Wisconsin life better. I saw him come in, greeting neighbors, easygoing and familiar, waiting for his order just like everyone else.
I wanted to walk up and introduce myself. A few weeks earlier, I had written to him about net neutrality, and his response made it clear he disagreed with me. Still, I wanted to talk, to bridge that gap. But at twenty-something, I didn’t trust my voice enough. I stayed seated, the chance passing with the scent of fried perch and buttered rye bread. I regretted it as soon as he left.
Eight years later, that hesitation is gone. Confidence, I’ve learned, isn’t about agreement—it’s about showing up with sincerity and respect. If the same moment came today, I’d thank him for his service, share my views without fear, and know that my voice deserves space in the conversation.
I’m no longer the uncertain young woman sitting quietly at the fish fry. I’m the woman who speaks up and knows she belongs.
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