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For me, as a candidate, one of the most gratifying experiences is when a voter reaches out to me again after a visit. I am so pleased when the notes I leave inspire someone to reach because then I feel I have done something right. I want to communicate my approachability, my openness and my genuine concern for the people of this district and beyond. So when someone contacts me to let me know about a specific issue, or even simply that they appreciate that I came to their door I feel as if I have made some progress towards that goal.

Professionally, as an anthropologist, I understand that when humans connect we are capable of building both our individual understanding and contributing to the broader social experience of dialogue and collaboration. All of these micro transactions are purposeful community building. As we expand the people we know and with whom we talk, we improve our own experiences. As we deepen the pool of people who we include in our sense of community we become less prejudice, less fearful.