Terracotta Pullman hosted Natasha Hill, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives for a free pottery meet and greet on Thursday.

Hill, who is native to Spokane and has spent her life in Eastern Washington, is running for the Congress position in Washington’s fifth Congressional District.

“Growing up in Spokane and growing up in poverty, I knew I wanted to end the cycle. I did Running Start in high school to knock out some credits and went to college to pursue a degree in law,” Hill said.

She never met any lawyers, but she felt a calling to practice law. Hill graduated from Southwestern School of Law in Southern California, and passed the bar exam on her first attempt, according to her website.

“Throughout law school, I struggled to have my basic needs met — I experienced homelessness and food insecurity. I had no healthcare. I got help from the financial aid office after I went to them [about] how my boyfriend at the time totaled my car and I could only depend on the bus to get me to school,” Hill said. “They loaned me some money to be able to afford a car to get me where I needed to go.”

Hill worked multiple jobs throughout school, and by the time she finished, she accumulated six figures in student debt, she said.

“With all the struggles I faced, I want to support our community and make sure they don’t experience what I did,” Hill said.

She went on to work as an attorney for 15 years, she said.

Hill’s focus in her campaign is to help with housing security, investing in the working class, improving health care and the education system, according to her website.

“I want to fight for people’s rights and fight for reproductive rights for all people. We should be using inclusive language, not just assuming everyone with a uterus is a woman,” Hill said.

Hill wants the community to focus on democracy — she encourages everyone to vote in the midterm elections.

“I want voting to be like a fun sport. People should be excited and tailgate for voting,” Hill said.

The younger generation should vote in every election, they have the power to change the future, she said.

“Even if you don’t vote, the outcomes still affect you and your daily life,” Hill said. “If you want to see a change, vote for someone you agree with. You can always make a difference.”