There has been a general consensus this week that, in the words of Ronald Reagan, “It’s morning in America again.” You can almost reach out and touch the hope and optimism Americans have felt since Inauguration Day. It has been a long four years, and for some, there has not been a lot to be hopeful about. But with a new administration often comes the stories of the people behind that administration. Sometimes, it’s those personal stories that make a bigger impact than anything that gets done in the Oval Office.
Can we take a second to celebrate how far JD Vance has come?
A kid from a broken home, mom was addicted to drugs and without a father went on to join the military, go to Yale Law, become a senator and the VP of the United States. pic.twitter.com/ogM7J7OgUx
— James Dunn 🦡🇺🇸 (@dunnrightpodcst) January 23, 2025
Most Americans are well aware of the life story of Vice President JD Vance. He grew up in Middletown, Ohio, a once bustling rust belt town that fell victim to good jobs moving away from the area. Growing up, he dealt with his mother’s addiction, his father’s absence, and family financial issues. His grandparents stepped in to help raise him, and through his book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” and a movie by the same name, America was introduced to his no-nonsense, one tough cookie grandmother, known affectionately as “Mamaw,” who refused to let him fail. He went on to serve in the Marine Corps and graduate from The Ohio State University and Yale Law School.
READ MORE: Mike Johnson Records JD Vance’s First Time Seeing the Oval Office—’It’s Incredible’
It’s that life story that inspired one young woman to go on TikTok and post a video that is making the rounds. The 20-something young woman, sitting in her car, says that while she is not a political person, she has heard JD Vance’s story and goes on to say that her life is similar to his. She talks about people like herself and Vance growing up:
“in a violent home, with addicted parents, having to endure abuse, all odds stacked against them, but they still fought, survived, and flourished. It is hope to the American people, it is hope to the underdogs, and it is hope that people can overcome the things that tear them apart.”
In the video, her language is spicy, but I’ve watched it several times, and each time, it brings me to tears, and not much brings me to tears anymore. I am one of the lucky ones. I grew up with two parents who loved each other, worked hard, and made sure that my brother and I never wanted for anything. I can’t fathom dealing with so many life-altering issues at such a young age. But the one thing that stands out is her message. That message is that if JD Vance, a kid from small-town Ohio who no one might have given a second glance, can endure and overcome all the obstacles put in front of him, then she could, too. For me, I could see her resolve forming and her spine stiffening as she spoke. I think she must feel like she has a kindred spirit in JD Vance, someone she may never meet. Many of us also may never meet our inspiration, but in maybe a weird way, we feel like they are looking over our shoulder, cheering us on.
JD Vance went from growing up poor, raised by a single mother with an addiction. To being sworn in as VP beside his beautiful family, with his Mom 10 years sober watching.
Truly a picture of the American Dream. pic.twitter.com/cgMDFYay2O— Anita B Freed (@AnitaBFreed) January 21, 2025
JD Vance may have a whole lot on his shoulders now, but his story should inspire all Americans. His story tells us that we can do whatever we want, no matter our circumstances. Will it be hard? Absolutely. But I am reminded of another quote that sums that up. In the movie, “A League of Their Own,” Tom Hanks’ character, Jimmy Dugan, talks to one of his players, Dottie Hinson, played by Geena Davis, who is quitting the team because, because she says, “It just got too hard.” Jimmy retorts, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard… is what makes it great.” It is one of the best quotes I have ever heard and is one that keeps me striving toward the next phase of my own dream. You can bet JD Vance knows it’s the hard that makes it great.
ALSO READ: Christmas Fun: Watch JD Vance Making Biscuits With His Three-Year-Old Daughter
I wish this girl was able to meet Vice President Vance because I don’t think there is any doubt that he would just give her a hug and tell her that she has it within her, that she can do it too.
In his inaugural speech, President Trump also uttered a phrase that is sure to stick with Americans as we go through the next four years. He said, “In America, the impossible is what we do best.” I hope this girl heard that, too. If I had to guess, I’d say she is well on her way.
WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS PROFANITY
Hope @JDVance pic.twitter.com/jXZ3zad2VF
— Playteaux (@Playteaux1) January 22, 2025
