I was scrolling through my Facebook feed the other day when I came across a graphic that read: "Make America Kind Again." Of course, this plays off of Donald Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again," but I think the former is actually onto something, unlike the latter (but that's another story for another day).

First things first, let me make this clear: I do not, in any way, claim to be an expert in politics. I hardly even follow politics. It just seems overly complicated to me and whatever ideas someone has, it's the wrong idea to someone else. And above all, it's utterly depressing. But I think I know a couple things about what this country needs, especially today.

In just half a semester of college, I have learned volumes about some of the core issues of society today, as well as the various approaches people are taking to dealing with them, in classes like biology and sociology.

Additionally, I have learned about the different ways people seek to better themselves and find meaning in their lives through religion. One particular point that struck me, in the Buddhism unit of my religion class, is that everyone is seeking to end suffering and achieve happiness, just as you are.

Mull this point over in your mind for a minute. Really think about it. Nobody wants to be unhappy, right? Everyone wants the best for themselves and the people they care about. In addition, everyone is equally deserving of this happiness. In this way, we are all the same. We share a common goal.

So why are we sitting around pointing fingers and blaming others for our unhappiness, and looking to take it out on them? I'm not going to get technical here, but there are many aspects of our lives where we can apply this concept. This includes school, work, and (of course) politics.

I think what we all need is an extra dose of kindness. In my everyday life, one way I attempt to be more kind is by giving others the benefit of the doubt. If someone is rude to me, I assume they are just having a rough day and could use a nice gesture to cheer them up. I recently have been trying especially hard to see the good in everyone else, and attempting to bring it out by showing them the good in myself.

This, of course, is not always the easiest thing in the world. Some people are truly frustrating! I (and I'm sure many others) find it hard to be nice to someone sometimes. But keeping in mind that everyone is deserving of happiness makes it a little easier.

Make it a mission to spread compassion. Perform at least one selfless or kind act each day, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. I have learned that even the smallest gestures can bring beneficial effects. And remember: it's okay to slip up once in a while! Nobody is perfect (thanks Hannah Montana), but with the right mindset, we can truly make ourselves, our community, and our society kind again.