All You Need Is Love
Start writing a post
Politics

All You Need Is Love

How will you change the world?

21
All You Need Is Love
Media and Publicity Special Olympics Villanova Flickr

The weekend before the election was one of the best, if not the best, weekends of my entire life. It was three days filled with love, excitement, and dancing, otherwise known as Villanova Special Olympics. It is the largest student-run Special Olympics in the entire world, and the whole campus gets involved. I was lucky enough to be paired with thirty-three of the most enthusiastic, caring athletes I'd ever met. My weekend consisted of early mornings and late nights cheering them on through every volleyball game, game of bocce, and 5K walk. I was beyond impressed with the skill and determination they displayed on the court. However, I was even more impressed with the sportsmanship and passion that they displayed off the court. One particular instance sticks in my mind. One of our bocce teams lost a very close, suspenseful match. Disappointed, one team member started to cry. Seeing this, an athlete from the opposing team came over and hugged her. He told her that she did a great job and that he was so proud of her. She congratulated him on a great game. That is what it was all about. No matter what the outcome of the competition was, the result was still the same: love and encouragement.

Spending a weekend surrounded by such amazing people gave me a whole new perspective. Despite the fact that we all had different abilities, and came from different places, and enjoyed different things, there was nothing but love in every interaction. Now, seeing the aftermath of the results of this election, I think it is a perspective that everyone needs to be exposed to.

I am ashamed as I scroll through my Facebook feed, seeing post after post of Democrats slamming Republicans and Republicans slamming Democrats. It's true, I am deeply saddened by the results of the election. However, by turning on my fellow Americans, I am promoting the type of division that my vote rejected. Everyone, no matter how different their perspective may be, deserves the same respect that you expect from them as well.

It is easy to reject those that disagree with you out of fear and anger. The easy way out is not what will restore our nation. It will take hard conversations and compromise, but it can be done. I know it can, because I witnessed it myself. I saw the atmosphere that is created when the interaction between people is defined by love. There was no division between sports or counties. There was just a group of athletes that loved what they did and loved everyone that they got to experience it. Just as they are all united by what connects them, we are all united by one common thing; we are Americans. If we treat each other with love and acceptance, it will truly change the world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71221
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133310
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments