The renowned Helen Keller once said, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” Humanity, over the course of its long existence, has faced many trials.

In fact, we as a species are equipped to deal with an ever-changing, increasingly complicated world. From the tiniest islands to the most powerful countries, people throughout the years have faced extreme adversity, challenges, and pain.

From natural disasters to mass shootings, it feels as though with every glance at the news, a fresh catastrophe has struck, resulting in widespread anguish. This year alone, with nearly two months still left in hurricane season, we have had a record-breaking number of storms.

In fact, at least 13 tropical storms have been named, more than eight hurricanes have occurred, and more than three major destructive hurricanes have made landfall, meeting all three requirements to have 2017 be considered an “extremely active” hurricane season.

Recently, in 2017 specifically, the world is reeling from a series of hardships that seem to have affected an increasingly expanding network of people.

Additionally, these storms have left entire islands and coastlines in ruins, displacing thousands, and killing many in their wake. There have been devastating earthquakes in Mexico, flooding and monsoons in South Asia, and droughts in Africa, among other natural disasters wreaking havoc this year.

Just this past week, violent fires have swept through Northern California, destroying everything in their paths. At this moment, at least 21 people are confirmed dead, and hundreds are missing.

Not to mention the awful mass shootings that have branded our nation in recent years, most notably the Vegas shooting on October 1st of this year. As a sick man opened fire on thousands of innocent concert-goers, the world suffered yet another blow, as thousands of friends and family learned their loved ones had been injured or killed.

It’s safe to say, 2017 hasn’t exactly been a peak year for humanity, with the above examples being a few major ones among many.

With all of these tragedies, it’s hard to stay positive, but it’s important to do what we can to love and support each other.

In tough times, the best way to cope is to use positivity, and not to hang our heads down, but to look up towards potential solutions. How can we make the world a safer place? What can we do to give back to those affected by a natural disaster? How can we reach out to victims of an attack, or domestic terrorism?

There are so many ways to help. You can make donations to reputable, directly helpful organizations.

For example, the top-rated charity committed to helping storm victims, called Direct Relief, has already committed $200,000 in aid and has made $100 million in medical supplies readily available following Hurricane Harvey.

Another way to help those affected by natural disasters is through nonprofits, the American Red Cross, or emergency response funding teams. There are so many organizations out there who intend to provide relief for victims, fast.

When it comes to mass shootings and attacks, the most direct way to help is through GoFundMe. In the Vegas incident, one page raised over $9 million in the first three days after the incident. These funds go towards providing immediate and long-term relief and support to those affected.

Another incredible step you can take right at home is donating blood. In the Vegas incident, as hundreds of people are taken to the hospital losing blood due to gunshot wounds, the hospitals face a shortage of usable blood. Donating a standard amount of blood is a quick, simple measure that can go a long way.

Especially as a college student, I know that universities are constantly providing opportunities to students to donate. It’s a small time commitment, and can truly make a difference in someone’s life.

There are so many simple ways to help in dire situations. This week, a member of our sorority learned that her house had been completely burned to the ground due to the Northern California wildfires.

As a result, we as a group decided to try and make a difference, donating money towards gift cards for her and her family to repurchase some of the possessions they lost.

As challenges and tragedies are thrown our way, we have to take them in stride and do what we can to support each other. It’s vital to be a shoulder for each other to lean on, and to take measures to aid others who are less fortunate and have been affected.

So the next time some horrible headline crosses the news, try not to let it get you down, and be proactive. Take the time to make a difference, no matter how small.