I grew up in a small Texas town and was the first on both sides of my family to go to college, and became a trusted source. At UT Austin, I shaped my political beliefs. Now, I respectfully call out and correct misinformation with empathy— controlling my emotions, avoiding attacks or belittling them.
In a divided world, being kind and understanding matters more than being right. I give my conservative family and friends grace because it’s the only way to have real conversations. Even if I don’t change their views on big issues, I hope to influence them to consider another perspective.
Now that I’m older, my younger cousins come to me when they don’t agree with their parents’ views. Every time that happens, it means the world to me. It reassures me that I’m doing my part. These next four years will be challenging, but we’ve put in the work to move forward.
It might not always seem like you’re getting through, but you never know who is listening. As we enter this next term, take time to talk, listen, and, most importantly, show kindness—because real conversations and connections will heal America.
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We are not going back.