In light of recent political events (or turmoil, depending on who you ask) the decision to come out with an opinion has become something of a risky move. The stakes seem to get higher everyday. An innocently shared video on Facebook can spark a fiery debate between family members. A small comment in passing can cause stress in a friendship. Everyone seems to have an opinion, but no one is safe to share it.

This growing tension between the two dominant parties in our country is causing me immeasurable amounts of stress. Maybe it's because of some deep seeded fear I have of conflict, but all of this anger and resentment is really starting to freak me out.

I won't go on to share my own views here, because to be totally honest I am still not quite sure what I really believe in. But isn't that supposed to be the beauty of college? For our entire young lives we are usually told to believe in one thing, then when you finally get to be on your own you are granted the freedom to find your own opinion. But here's the thing, it's not as fun of a process as I thought it would be.

If anything I find myself caught between the values I was raised with and the voices I am now exposed to at University. Don't get me wrong, having friends with such diverse ideas is really cool and a beautiful representation of living in a country that values free speech. It's just very easy to feel intimidated.

How am I supposed to please my parents and my friends and my community and remember to think about my own values all at the same time? Many may find that thought to be absolutely ridiculous. Why would someone ever put so much pressure on ourselves to appease the people around us? There's more of us out there than you would think. In college, many of us are experiencing the terrifying liberation of getting to make our own choices and form our own views on the world in which we live in. I cannot stress enough how overwhelming that can be.

I admire my peers who already feel like they have a hold on their own opinions. I respect my family for all the values they have bestowed on me throughout my life.

But how can anyone form an opinion amongst this noise?

I don't ask people to stop sharing their thoughts and ideals on current events. I just ask people to think twice about so harshly coming down on the thoughts and ideals of others, especially when these people are young and just trying to figure out what the heck is going on. Have a bit of understanding that we all experience confusion in our lives over how we really feel about something.

So be thoughtful and defensive over your opinions (because they are yours and no one can take them away from you), but keep in mind there are a lot of us just trying to pick a side (or figure out if we are really supposed to be somewhere in the middle). Make a stand for what you believe in, educate yourself to the fullest and keep an open mind with you wherever you go.

And above all, have compassion for those who are still finding their voice amongst the crowds.