When we turn to the news nowadays, all we see are stories of protests, shootings, war, poverty, etc... But, how did we get here? How did we get to the age and time where I'm afraid that if I say the wrong thing to someone at my school, that they might become violent? When did it get to the point to where me, a minority, has to be worried how I will survive in such a big city in the fall and deal with the racial protests? How will I know that I will be safe?

I can assure you that these are not questions that we would've asked ourselves 20 years ago. But what I want to know is what changed?

1. Protests

I'm all for you exercising your first amendment right and telling what you're passionate about, don't get me wrong, but what I'm not so much passionate about is these uproars and protests that are destroying public property, land, and are just downright rude.

You don't HAVE to express your opinion by burning down a statue. You don't have to express your opinion by going to the White House and screaming with signs that have lewd words or are derogative. There are easier ways to get justice. There are ways that you can do this all without being the center of attention and getting your name out there, there's an easier way toget your nameout there andstanding up for what you believe in, without being so mean.

2. Racial equality

When did it get to be the time that African-Americans are afraid to go outside of their own house? History is repeating itself, and you want to know why? It's because of people who don't want to move on with the times and can't see someone other than the color of their skin.

I'm Indian. I'm brown. I'm afraid that one day, any skin color that is not white will be targeted, simply because we are not white. Let me tell you... we are no longer the minority. The percentage of caucasians to colored skin tones is equalling out. Kind of funny, eh? I should be treated the same as you. I have a heart and I'm made of skin and bones too. You're just afraid because no one's taught you to love anything different and that's okay. I'm still here and God tells me to love you regardless of what you think about my skin color or me.

3. School shootings

Being a senior in high school, I'm ready to get out of this place more than anyone in the whole school. I'm ready to be sitting in my apartment with my two roommates eating some popcorn and watching "The Vampire Diaries", but it can't get here any faster.

But, now that there have been so many school shootings around the world and threats happening, I'm not so sure everyone wants to get out of here.

When did it get to the point that I'm worried about my safety at school?

The point that I'm worried that I'll be caught in the hallways while an active shooter Is on campus and all of the classrooms are closed and I won't be able to get to safety?

I never thought that we would be talking about this topic so much today. How much I would have to worry about my safety at school; supposedly the safest place than my own home. Who would have thought?