Recently I attended the freshman orientation for Rutgers University. One of the presentations, on micro-aggression's, got me thinking. Covering racism, misgendering, and phrases like "that's so gay", it really ingrained in me the idea of being conscious. Conscious of the world and those around you.

Obviously no one is perfect. Everyone is going to slip up every once in a while and say something stupid. That isn't what is important. It's all of the other times, but also what you do when you slip up.

The only time, that I know of, that I misgendered someone they called me out on it. I had only recently been told they now went by "they" and I just forgot being in the moment. I was a bit frustrated because I get correcting people, but they almost scolded me and it wasn't like I did it purposefully. I had actually been crying just before and was still really emotional and just wasn't really thinking about it. I actually said "I'm here for you ____". But again, the point isn't that it happened. The point is that ever since then I have been much more aware, and try to always remember when I learn people don't just go by "he" or "she".

I have met a few people who don't identify as being "cis", or people who identify with the sex they are born with. I've in a way been forced to adapt, to learn. For those who have never had experiences though, it might be a bit more difficult to grasp.

During the presentation, they used the example of throwing a ball and hitting someone on accident when they were trying to play catch. While it wasn't the intention to hit the person, pain was caused. Regardless of if you intend to make a racist remark or not doesn't really matter if you cause pain.

I urge you all to just stay conscious. We never know who is around, and offensive comments are never needed. If you hear a friend use a micro-aggression just remind them it's not cool. This world is hard enough and if we all could be a little bit more careful with what we say it would make a surprisingly large difference.