I am Natalie Traver, and I was given the amazing opportunity to give testimony to a subcommittee of the Senate of South Carolina on April 14, 2021.
Last year, my father Keith Traver brought my siblings and me to a subcommittee hearing of the House. I was given the opportunity to tell my name and age to the legislators. I often think back on that moment, wondering what I could have said that would have made a difference and wishing I had spoken up when I had the chance.
So when I heard that there was a possibility that I could speak at this most recent hearing, I jumped at the opportunity. I understood there was a very slim chance I would get to speak, but if there was any possibility at all, I wanted to be there just in case. I prayed to God, and He answered.
I was very honored when Mr. Mark Meckler himself gave me the opportunity to speak and very thankful that Mr. Sam McDonald gave up his chance to testify so I could speak in his place. The actual reading of my speech is a blurry memory. I was so full of adrenaline!
When I spoke to Mr. Meckler afterwards, he told me that people from all over the country were texting him about me, and he even offered me an internship when I get older! I still can hardly believe it. I also got the signatures of Mr. Bill Taylor and Mr. Mark Meckler, who called me his hero!
After the bill passed, all the Convention of States people gathered outside and gave me a round of applause. This has been one of the most amazing and memorable experiences of my life.
I am so honored to have been able to help and want to do as much as I can to make sure that the COS resolution passes in my state and many others. Maybe I will be able to speak again!
Thank you to my father for teaching me many of the concepts I spoke about and how to be a patriot, my mother for teaching me how to write and speak well, and to everyone around the country who supported me. This has been the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me.
