By Dominique Beltran

There’s a lot of contention in the world right now.

It’s not hard to notice.

Once upon a time, you could wave away the horrors of the world, and just live in your bubble.

No longer.

Despite what various sources may say, I don’t think the USA has ever been truly united.
However, I do believe there are possibilities for everyone to come together with respect and
understanding. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it takes effort. And yes, such an idea might be just the hopes of
a person who has been living in this particular bubble for too long. But I also have seen
thousands of people unite under a cause they believe in; what better belief to back than peace?
Each of us are admonished to “Be the Change You Want To See,” and while I can admit the
hokiness of the phrase, and perhaps some feel no drop in the bucket, to borrow another common
phrase, could ever change things, still: I plead with you to do something anyways. Even just a
small act of kindness, like the humble penny I’d beg my mom to let me give to the costumed
Santas in front of Wal-Mart, can do good when added up.

Please, do something good this Christmas season. Visit your family and friends, and get to know
them on a personal level. Donate your time and money, as you can, for no matter how many
people you may consider to be better off, there are always people who are struggling, too. Hold
the door. Carry groceries. Go caroling. Uplift the hands that hang down, and I promise yours will
rise in love for the people around you.

Seeing those around you as people, rather than residents of the same town, will bring a unified
light to our corner of the world. It will bring change to both you and those you help. It will help
all of us have a Merry Christmas