As a child, I remember hearing that “one person can make a difference” quite often. Rosa Parks was only a person. George Washington was only a person. Bill Gates is only a person. However, when it comes to involvement in the world we live in, many of us millennials haven’t taken advantage of our potential. Somewhere along the way, we seemed to have lost our voice. Having an opinion isn’t “cool” anymore. As a generation being constantly criticized for living in some virtual reality on our cell phones, it is time we remember the difference we can make.
As we continue to near the presidential election in November, I have gotten more and more frustrated by the lack of interest from many of my peers in politics and current events. As young adults, this election matters more to us than any other group! If elected for two terms, the candidate selected will likely serve as Commander in Chief when we pay off college debt, find a job, buy our first home and start a family. We have a lot at stake here! Our parents and grandparents have heated debates at the dinner table regarding the future of our nation while many of us, the ones who will be living in this future, sit in silence on our phones and scroll through our Twitter timelines. I’m just as guilty of this as any other 19 year old. However, the first step in fixing a problem is acknowledging it, and that’s just what this article is for. I personally love politics, but even with a significant interest, I find it difficult to keep up as a full-time college student. However, I have a couple of tips to help you stay up-to-date in the coming months prior to the election.
I suggest to use your social media for good, not evil. Or for a mix of both, at least. Follow FOX News and CNN in order to get both sides of every story, as FOX is rightward leaning and CNN is leftward leaning. Eventually, you will get to obtain a somewhat limited, yet fair and balanced political knowledge. I started following multiple news outlets at the beginning of college because I felt totally isolated from the world around me when I was on campus, and this has helped me so much. Believe it or not, I kind of get excited when I see new poll results on my timeline.
This suggestion is super easy, but super important. Once you formulate an opinion, talk about it! I’m considering a career involved in politics, and although I have no problem having a passionate opinion, I have realized I struggle to voice it. I often shy away from political conversation simply because I don’t enjoy conflict. As young adults, it is healthy and important to be able to have a controversial conversation with someone and not agree with them without screaming or making it personal. If someone else shares their opinion with you and you disagree, still listen attentively. Keep an open mind! Everyone sees and interprets things differently, so others may be able to shed light on ideas you never thought of.
A single vote DOES make a difference. Voting is not a chore, it is a true privilege. And it’s time we all take advantage of it and let our voices be heard.
