Education is under attack in America. From early childhood programs to universities, education is being underfunded, privatized, and influenced by political extremists. Trump is currently trying to dismantle the Department of Education. Why? Because education is how we develop critical thinking skills that enable us to think for ourselves, rather than blindly follow whatever he says.

• Increase support for public schools. Public schools are the backbone of our educational system. They should be appropriately funded and supported in order to provide high quality education to every student, regardless of the situation. (NC state legislature, we're looking at you. Fund public schools as the Leandro decision required you to do.)

• Want your kid to go to a charter or private school? Great. Don't make taxpayers fund the bill. These schools often have little to no standards they have to meet and there is often no oversight on what is being taught. Taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for that. And public schools shouldn't have their funding depleted in order to pay for charter schools.

• Treat teachers with the respect they deserve and PAY THEM. Teachers shouldn't have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Teachers should be paid much more than their current wage. They shouldn't be forced to teach propaganda and treat it as fact. They should not fear for their lives due to gun violence, nor feel that they have to arm themselves at their workplaces.

• Protect programs that help with the cost of higher education. Student loans, Pell grants, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness made it possible for Ashley to get an education and become a PA. Without these programs, less students will become professionals in fields that our country needs to survive.

• Make the cost of higher education feasible for everyone regardless of socioeconomic status. The cost of higher education has become exorbitant, which limits access and drives increased student loan debt. Community college, skills training and vocational school should be free for students.

• Fund Universal pre-K and provide subsidized childcare.

• Feed kids. Make school meals free.