Staying updated on local and global matters is something I try to do. But, as a grad student working two jobs, I already feel drowned by emails that stack endlessly upon one another. The result is a corpus of news stories I have forgotten or never have time to read. Despite my email graveyard of world news, certain stories have made sure to find their way into my life.

Recently, President Trump was seen across a number of media outlets referring to US Senator Elizabeth Warren as “Pocahontas” while honoring Native American Code Talkers at a commemoration ceremony. However, thanks to President Trump’s comments, much media attention and discussion has been misguided from the Code Talker’s and their message.

Peter MacDonald, president of the surviving 13 Navajo Code Talkers, spoke briefly yet somehow managed to say a lot of good in the way of uniting as a nation. MacDonald stressed that using Navajo code in WWII exemplifies the American way of life in that recognizing difference and celebrating diversity truly brings our nation together and allows us to progress, “When we come together as one, we are invincible.”

MacDonald also promotes a need for a national Navajo Code Talker Museum to show future generations the strength America is capable of through celebrating difference and exploring diversity. If you have some time to pay respects to WWII Veterans, check out a bit of MacDonald’s speech here.

If you’re like me and occasionally browse social media feeds and email blasts, you’ve likely seen some coverage concerning the Tax Cuts and Job Acts Bill (TCJA) currently passed through the House of Representatives and the Senate, as of December 2.

As someone is not well-versed in the discipline of economics and who does not fully understand the entirety of such immense legislation, my politically conscious self hasn’t a clue how to feel. Through some digging, I’ve come to an understanding of various repeals and additions to the plan. However, most concerning (as I am only partially through my graduate studies) is TCJA’s repeals regarding taxable income and tuition waivers.

If you are currently enrolled, or if your friends, siblings, or significant other is within academia, there is serious financial change that could make attending college even more expensive. For a detailed exploration of TCJA’s impact on universities and students close to the North Carolina Community, click here.

TCJA aims to make tuition waivers taxable income. This means that students will have to pay taxes on money that is never in their pocket. As someone with shallow pockets, I cannot even afford to think of paying taxes on tuition that is waived, and part of the incentive for pursuing candidacy in graduate programs, as well as other tuition remission programs in academia.

If you too are concerned with this matter, take action. I have done this in the way of attempting to educate myself and those closest to me. I have also made efforts to sign online petitions and reach out to my local senators. We shall see where this bill takes us.