A Sioux Falls teen's essay catches the attention of Senator Tim Johnson.
On Wednesday, a Lincoln High School freshman student will read her essay on poverty to the senator's staff.
Abby Anderson works to understand proofs in her accelerated geometry class Tuesday. Wednesday, she'll read an award-winning human rights essay to Senator Tim Johnson's Washington, D.C., policy staff. Abby shared her message with us.
"One rising problem in the world today is poverty; this is an important human rights concern. Poverty is very hard on families; not having the money for your natural needs is very stressful. Over 1.3 million people in developing countries earn only $1.25 a day," Anderson said.
One of the things Anderson hopes to accomplish by reading her essay before a congressional committee is to inspire help for agricultural countries.
"One big thing that needs to be done is we need to help farmers to know how to increase their crop production because a lot of people can't make enough food, or they have to sell all their food to get the money," Anderson said.
Abby's mom, Karen, is surprised Senator Johnson even knows about her daughter's essay. But she's not surprised by her daughter's concern for impoverished countries.
"I'm very proud of her. She is a very caring person so it's very fitting that her essay got nominated for this," Karen Anderson said.
Anderson's essay hopes for stability in families and day-to-day food prices for communities in crisis.
"There are so many things you can do to help those in need; you just need to get out and help," Anderson said.
Johnson released this congratulatory statement Tuesday: “I congratulate Ms. Anderson on her award-winning essay on Poverty in the World. I think it is important she didn't just describe the problem but offered solutions."
Anderson reads her essay during a conference call Wednesday afternoon from Johnson’s office in Sioux Falls.
Click on the video player below to hear Anderson read her essay.
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