91 people killed and burned in Cameroon, a country in Africa, by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The group also burned churches and mosques in the town.
12 people killed at Charlie Hebdo by Islamic men who shouted "God is great" in Arabic.
Up to 2000 people killed or unaccounted for in Baga, Niger, when the terrorist group Boko Haram burned, shot, and exploded the town and people in it.
1 person shot in Mesa, Arizona by Ryan Giroux, a member of the neo-Nazi gang Hammerskin nation.
147 killed and 300 unaccounted for at Garissa University College in Kenya. The attack was carried out by gunmen from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, who separated the Christians and Muslims on the campus and executed the Christians.
With all the terrorism in the world, it is sometimes hard to care because we simply aren't affected by it. What does a white girl in the middle of Missouri have to do with a University in Kenya? Absolutely nothing. And there's nothing she can do to stop the terrorist groups ISIS, Boko Haram, and Al-Shabaab.
The only thing she can do is help the people who are closer to her. There's nothing she can do to stop terrorists overseas, but she can help someone have a better day here in Missouri. She feels helpless that she can't help the people who are suffering and burning, but she can start by improving the life of just one person here.
How do you do that? It's important to "be kind" and we all strive to be that type of person, but it's hard. Here are some practical ways to start improving the lives of people around you:
- Tiger Garden in the Agriculture building at Mizzou has roses for $1 every Friday. Next Friday, pick up 5 roses and give them to friends and say "I wanted to make your day."
- Make cupcakes with a lot of frosting and sprinkles. Stick a note on the bottom of every cupcake that says, "Human beings are capable of war and sadness and all sorts of terrible stuff, but also cupcakes" (Quote courtesy of Kid President). Grab a friend and had them out to people on the street who look sad.
- Next time you're at the store grabbing something to go for class, grab an extra candy bar or juice and give it to your friend in class.
- Buy 10 lottery tickets (only $1 each!) and give them to 10 people on the street, wishing them luck.
- Offer to go get a snack or drink for a friend that is studying.
- Get a friend who has as much compassion as you and pool your money to adopt an animal from the World Wildlife Foundation.
We can't stop war and terrorists, but we can feel better about ourselves by helping our neighbors and friends. If you ever find yourself angry that you can't do anything to help the people who are shot, burned alive, and beaten in our country and other parts of the world, just do one small thing for one person who is close to you. Whether the people you are helping are suffering overseas or are having a bad day in the room right next to you, being kind is always important.
