Brett Kavanaugh. At this point in the Supreme Court nomination process, we all have heard his name at least once. Whether it be discussing it in class or reading and watching the news, we’ve all at least heard about the Supreme Court nominee and United States Circuit judge in some capacity.

I know that the Supreme Court and the Senate Judiciary Committee are not necessarily the most interesting things to read about or be invested in, but a Supreme Court nomination is more important than any federal or local election. A spot on the Supreme Court has no term limit and the appointed judges interpret the most vital set of laws in the United States, the Constitution.

It is with this in mind that I say that Christine Blasey Ford, the professor who accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when she was in high school, is an American hero. She uprooted her whole life, her image, and her privacy to relive her trauma on national television.

“I am here today,” said Ford at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing regarding her accusations, “not because I want to be. I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school.”

Ford gave a composed and eloquent testimony about the assault she experienced in high school at the hands of Kavanaugh, looking into the eyes of senators who she knew had already discounted her trauma because she believed it was her duty as a citizen to tell elected officials and the public. She did not cry, she did not retaliate when discounted, and maintained a brave face after each break when she heard people like senators Lindsay Graham and Orrin Hatch portray her abuser as the victim in what they view as a media circus.

Many of you may wonder if Ford’s testimony holds any weight on Kavanaugh’s appointment, considering Kavanaugh is not on trial for a crime. It does hold weight. One of the most important things about a Supreme Court judge is good moral value. As interpreters of the Constitution and judges on the highest court in the land, it is important that they hold opinions and behave in a way which respects the law. These accusations shed light on a side of Kavanaugh which may prove that he has not always held the law in such high regard.

Ford put herself in an uncomfortable position which could potentially re-traumatize her for the sake of ensuring that our democracy and Constitution are in the hands of the morally sound. She knew that the committee does not have the best track record of treating survivors of sexual assault well, as seen by their treatment of Anita Hill during Supreme Court judge Clarence Thomas’s confirmation. Despite this, she stepped up, and it is this bravery that makes Ford a hero.

She has already begun to empower other victims of sexual assault, and there are numbers to prove it: the National Sexual Assault Hotline saw a 388% increase in traffic during Ford’s testimony. It is facts like these which give me hope that Ford can be a role model for victims of sexual violence and assault, as she proves that one can overcome trauma to become successful.

Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, it is clear to see that Ford’s testimony will have an impact on the public conscious and hopefully allow for more survivors of sexual assault to feel safer in reporting their assault.