I go to a small liberal arts and design college in New York City. When I decided to transfer from my hometown community college, it was the one and only university I applied to. As an aspiring journalist, I knew that NYC was the only place to be, and this school has an incredible, progressive journalism program. It was a no-brainer.

When I first arrived to the city, I was pretty confident in my opinions, but I now that I think about it, I also didn't have a lot of them. Partly because, I didn't realize there were so many things to have opinions about! And lo and behold, I move to New York City right in the height of the most polarized presidential election.

Needless to say, it's been an intense experience.

Though I don't identify with a political party (I never have), I've also never felt so pressured before to do so. However, I tend to dwell in between the two and I plan on remaining steadfast because honestly, I'm not interested in perpetuating an "us versus them" attitude, which is what I've been seeing the most.

What I've been seeing lately is not only extreme, but foolish. This isn't about being conservative, liberal, or anything in between (though I do suggest dwelling in the in-between if you can help it). This about people shutting their ears when they hear something they don't agree with, unwilling to hear an opposing point of view, and creating an environment that is irrationally divisive.

We're at a pivotal point in history. We just endured one hell of a presidential election, surrounded by controversy and hatred. Many social issues have found their way into the spotlight once again, from what looks to be the second-coming of a Civil Rights movement, to the fight against misogyny and a long-standing patriarchy. History tends to do stuff like this.

However, it is also very different this time around. With social media, literally everything—every word typed, every picture posted, every opinion voiced—is under immense scrutiny. It's overwhelming. (Especially when I think about the idea of sharing this article, my opinion.)

But with all these issues that need to be addressed, and with the power of social media at our disposal, there's an amazing opportunity here: the chance to open conversation and truly progress.

To do so, we must be open-minded.

I'd like to think that my insistence on fair-mindedness is due to my innate zodiac characteristics of being a Libra. (And I do believe that.) But I also recognize that I've been raised by a family that's half Republican and half Democrat, which has allowed me to hear both sides of many political and social issues.

So naturally, after being raised in an environment with a mixture of political and social viewpoints, it's a little shocking to see students—young, blooming minds—reject opinions before they even listen. And I know I'm not the only one noticing this trend.

Saturday Night Live recently did a skit called "The Bubble" (I'm a sucker for satire), and it is spot on. And they're right, there is a bubble being created and I can't help but wonder what'll happen when it inevitably pops.

I can't express enough how crucial it is to have respect for opposing opinions. If you don't understand a person's point of view, ask them to elaborate. Let them make their point, then share yours. And most importantly, before you argue back, make an effort to listen. Your opinion could very well change.

Don't become close-minded in the name of "progression." Once we get in the habit of automatically shutting out opposing views, you can be sure we will cease to progress.