COLLEGE PARK, Md., -- In politics, sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose.
That's a lesson that eight-year-old Martha Kennedy Morales learned earlier this year, when she lost her bid for school president, at Friends Community School. She lost to a boy at her school by just one vote.
But in defeat, Morales found a new mentor, who has also felt the pain of a political loss: Hillary Clinton. After learning of the third-grader's loss, Clinton sent her a letter, to show her support.
"The most important thing is that you fought for what you believed in," she wrote. "And it is always worth it."
This connection all started shortly after the election, when Morales' father, Albert, started posting on Facebook. He wanted friends and family to hear that she got second place, and was named vice president. Soon, the message started to spread, and a "mystery person," passed the message along to Clinton.
"There it was," Morales said. "This folded piece of paper... I was like 'what in the world.'"
In the letter, Clinton offered her support, and reflected on what it means to be a woman in politics.
"As I know too well," she wrote. "It's not easy when you stand up and put yourself in contention for a role that's only been sought by boys."
The eight-year-old has now crafted of a letter of her own and plans to send it to Clinton. She has invited the former presidential candidate to come and visit her.
"To know that Hilary Clinton is cheering me on for future success," she said. "I mean, this is really special."
By the way, Morales will be eligible to run for president of the United States in 2048.
