Looking around the world today, it's shocking how people are being treated, especially in 2017. I am ashamed. I am ashamed that the progress we thought we had made is being erased and disrespected and ashamed in how this country is handling it. Everyone has a chance to speak up and use some sort of platform to speak up, stand up against violence and racism and against everything United States should be against for.

Living in the modern world, us millennials have hope for the future but recently day by day, that hope is being taken away. However far away these hopes and dreams may be, every day we can choose to love one another and show kindness. There are many things we can do to make this place we call home and better place to live and a place we can be proud of. There are things we can do to fight racism, sexism and all the problems we sadly are still facing today. My generation has witnessed many violent crimes/events this past year and many have lost hope. What I want is for my generation and all of America to come together in love, to be more optimistic and stand up for what is ethically right.

To start off doing so, people need to work on themselves. Start being a better you, every day. How you can do this is to first off, be more observant. Notice things that surround your life. Be observant of the things you say to others and the things you do. There are many examples of mistakes you can learn from, many lessons that will teach you what is right and what is wrong. Be observant of what's happening around you and if it's the world, don't stay silent.

Secondly, to become a better you, read more every day. Be knowledgeable about what is happening in the world today. Speaking out about a topic you barely don't know about is just as bad as spreading false information. Know the right facts and know where you stand. Read more accurate articles and read great books. Reading is a great investment of time and of your life. You can learn a lot from reading just anything! It's important to stay up to date.

Another thing you can do to be a better you is to, do something about something you feel strongly for. There are many ways you can do this. One is to volunteer. There are many non-profits and organizations that need your help, even animal shelters need volunteers. Go work with people that believe in the same things you do. It's a good way to stand up and do something passionately. You can also donate to causes you feel that need attention. You can also attend protests, sign petitions.

You can also learn how to be more kind. I know this can be hard for people, especially if you have to deal with someone in a difficult situation. But still, try. Showing love and kindness to someone can really turn things around in your life and theirs. You don't have to do anything crazy, but start off by doing small acts of kindness because they lead to greater effects.

Every day you have a chance to change things around you by doing just anything! Challenge yourself to become a better person. The world will only get better if the people that live in it do. First work on yourself because there is always room to be a better person and next take on the world. Love will continue to trump hate, don't give up on that.