Dear Adults In My Life,

Please stop. I'm begging you.

Please stop acting like children on social media. Please stop spewing hate out of your mouths from behind a computer. Please stop with your disrespectful speech towards our country's leader. Just please stop the madness.

I've looked up to you for some portion of my life whether it was for a minute, a day, a month, five years, or for forever. You impacted me. You've helped me become the person I've been today. And now, I'm losing hope.

Our nation has talked so much lately about how we need to be unified and come together...but how can we do that when our role models are crossing their arms and refuse to listen? I still look up to you, don't you see that? With every accusatory post, slanderous name, foul word, and blazing disrespect, a little bit of me saddens. Because I can't look up to you anymore.

People are quick to judge my generation and say that we are nothing but a bunch of lousy, rebellious, lazy, and self-centered kids. While some of us probably do embody those stereotypes, I wholeheartedly believe my generation is one of change. One that can be of kindness. One that can be of generosity of unity. And I see it everywhere.

I see it in the car in front of me in line at Dunkin Donuts with a University bumper sticker who paid for my coffee, I see it in students who fill shoeboxes with toys to be given to kids who can't afford Christmas, I see it in tables set up everywhere that are fundraising for incredible and unique causes, I see it in Greek life groups when they participate in philanthropy, I see it in my classroom where a classmate felt comfortable enough to share her views because she knew we wouldn't attack her.

So adults, I think it's time you learn a lesson or two from us. Take a break from Facebook. Take a break from the news. Take a break from the television. Go out, help someone, spread the love and acceptance you claim we need but you don't demonstrate. This is a challenge to you. I hope you can accept it.

Sincerely,

A Kid That Looks Up To You