As of right now it is impossible to turn on the TV, scroll down our Facebook feeds, or read the news without seeing tragedy, disaster and an overwhelming amount of violence. Whether that entitles mass shootings, police brutality, acts of terrorism or sexual assault, the truth of the matter is there is something seriously wrong going on. The most obvious things to do in these times is mourn the victims and their families, and advocate for change. At the same time, it has dawned upon me that these events aren't just effecting the victims, but are completely changing our society for the worst.

These thoughts were sparked in light of the 4th of July festivities. I, like many other Americans, went to see fireworks with some friends. We were in Pittsburgh, PA and decided to go see the show at the Point State Park, for the best view. Granted the fireworks were amazing, but I was surprised to see police officers everywhere, and guards checking everyone's bags and purses before entering the park. Though the inspection wasn't the most efficient or effective, it immediately made me feel unsafe because I realized the circumstances that had caused for these changes to occur. Nevertheless, my evening went on without any problems. Once the show was over, everyone, in a huge mass, flocked towards the exit. Then, as we were moving, we heard a loud bang. It was only a firecracker, which is why I wasn't too alarmed. As I looked around though, I saw the fear and terror in those surrounding me. A young girl was shaking as her friend kept reassuring her, "It's not a gunshot, it's okay." Two of my friends were holding on to each other trying to separate themselves from the crowd. Another one of my friends kept checking to make sure that she didn't loose me.

It was then that I realized how broken we are, and how damaged we have become as a society. If I wasn't scared at the beginning of the night, I was definitely worried amidst all those people. My mind started wandering, what if a bomb goes off? What if someone decides to start shooting? What if I don't make it home? I realize that this might sound dramatic, but let's face it; stuff like this has happened before, and it's still happening. What guarantees that we won't be the ones affected sooner or later? The reality is that, in this moment, we can't feel safe anywhere, and that's heartbreaking.

To make things worse, I wasn't completely wrong that night. The next morning I woke up to the news of a shooting that occurred shortly after my friends and I had gotten back home. Apparently after the fireworks, a fight broke out in downtown Pittsburgh (not far from where we had seen the show) and multiple people were shot.

Not only am I, like many others, hurt by all the hatred and violence happening in the world, but I am desperately pleading for change. We can't just pray for policies to change, though they should, but we have to change what's inside of people. Hatred can't trump love. Unfortunately, that's the way it feels right now, but I don't think that can last much longer. I want to live in a world were love reigns, and we can feel peaceful and safe. I still have a small grain of hope in humanity, I hope it doesn't let me down.