Before my freshman year of college, I thought Facebook was pointless. I just saw it constantly started some sort of drama and really had a poor opinion of social media in general. But this isn't about slamming social media. Quite contrarily, it's about an amazing experience I had with it, and the way it taught me the importance of one simple sentence: "I'm sorry."

I actually made a Facebook page to promote my Odyssey content. Within the first few days of posting a profile picture and updating my info, I found myself sorting through a flood of new friend requests. Suddenly, I was reconnected with everyone that I had ever kind-sorta met before. I didn't think much about these requests, that was until I received a message from a girl who, at times, wasn't so nice to me middle school. I hadn't really spoken to the girl since I was twelve, so I assumed it was some sort of spam or a silly game request. Imagine my surprise when I opened my inbox to a long and heartfelt message. An apology.

Though I had long forgotten this girl, she had not forgotten me. She messaged me saying that she was profoundly sorry for the cruel words and gossip she had spread about me in the past. She explained how she had grown as a person and how she wanted to offer my a sincere apology, even if it was six years late. It may seem like a small thing, but my positive reaction to her message floated through my mind for days. How swiftly had the petty girl in my memories shifted into a brave and kind young woman! The more I thought about that apology's effect on me, the more I thought of the people that I had wronged in my past. In that moment I chose to embark on a sort of project that I hope you'll join too; I decided to offer sincere apologies to people who I had wronged.

As a sociology major, I have learned about the power of words and empathy on interpersonal relationships. No textbook could put into words, though, the exact feeling that giving or receiving an honest "sorry" gives. It truly does feel like a small weight has been lifted, because that's one less piece of negativity that you have to carry around. It doesn't just alleviate the bad though, but also fosters a feeling of peace and connectivity with the other person. As scary as it can seem, recognizing our mistakes and being accountable for them is a relieving experience.

So now that you've heard my story, I'm going to use social media to spread my message. I often hear people say that they are waiting for the right moment to apologize or that they wish they could take back something they said or did in the past. Well, there's no better time to say sorry than now. The Internet has made it possible to connect with just about anyone, and if you're looking for a sign to make a move on ending that bitter past between someone this is it. All I'm asking is that you offer an apology to one or two people, and that you spread this project around so that others may do the same. I guarantee that you will not regret it. Especially now, our world deserves a little more kindness and friendship and fewer hard feelings. We all wish for a peaceful and loving world. Maybe that first step is working towards empathy through those two little magic words, "I'm sorry."