It has become increasingly harder to read and watch the news without being angry and disappointed in the direction our country is choosing to head in. School shootings, unaccounted immigrant children, and fallouts of multiple international deals make it difficult to have hope and believe in a better future.

As someone who has prided herself on always being able to see the brighter side of any situation, I find myself not applying the same principle when it comes to politics and worldly affairs. The only possible thing I could come up with is that there has to be an end to all of this or it'll pass eventually. Starting with the debates between the presidential candidates, the matters of our nation have almost fulfilled the same purpose as the entertainment industry. For laughs, read the president's latest tweets. For drama, follow the "Will they?" or "Won't they?" suspense with North Korea. Such a development has provided for the plot of the most upcoming reality TV. The only problem is that after watching, we can't just forget about it because it affects us too.

At first, watching the news being displayed in such a manner was very discouraging. But could it serve to make the population more informed? This point was discussed by comedian, Hasan Minhaj, who also spoke at President Trump's inaugural White House Correspondent's Dinner. His take on the term, "angry optimism," is geared specifically towards the treatment of Muslims as well as immigrants and minorities in general. The travel ban, for example, left many Muslim Americans scared and angry, wondering if they or their family members would be able to return home. However, it was the response of the rest of the population that really showed the potential for peace, love, and harmony, as well as action and engagement, despite the decisions of our government.

It's extremely easy to sit back and be angry at our world leaders. What's harder is to take that same anger and mold it to deliver a response for you and others to show. Listening to this gave me the reminder that I needed. There's always room for optimism and positivity, but it may not be portrayed in the same, stereotypical way as it was before or even with smaller things happening in our personal lives.