There are times when I especially recognize that what I do and what I say changes my life in the moment, but once the moment passes, life still goes on. In my life, my family is the most important thing. Yet, so is going about my day trying to do the best I can, not for me, but for others. I hate to bring it up, but the results of this election and even the days leading up to it, have unfortunately brought out the worst in people. When it comes to politics, I am a firm believer in keeping a level head, an open heart and mind, and an ability to hear others out. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, I believe that your humanity and sense of empathy is way more important than the individual face of the our country. Because behind that face, is the people; beneath their feet is the ground, and without it they fall. Just like in my life, it’s the people in my life that support me -- which is why it’s easy for me to go on my day for someone else. The things I do are done in order to make my friends smile, make them laugh, be their support system when they need a shoulder to cry on, or I pursue my studies as a means to make my parents proud and make paying for my education worthwhile and the stuff I do on campus, like surfing, skating, or rowing, is just a bonus. Even when I row, while I alter my own movements as an individual athlete, I’m making those changes in the boat to benefit the rower in front of and behind me, to make our boat go faster.

Yet, this strength is also one of my weaknesses. I have to remind myself of the same things I tell my friends and family who are continuously putting themselves first; “Cut yourself some slack; you’re doing the best you can. You deserve time for yourself because you are important too.”

So, whether or not you take anything away from this piece, for a rare time I’m saying these words to help myself realize that I deserve good things, too. But, I know that times right now are extremely sensitive, and it may sound cheesy or cliche, but I do need something from you, and I don’t ask for a lot. I need you to think about others, to consider what you do each day and how you could make someone else’s life a little better, and trust me your life will improve because of it. Do all things with thought because at some point, when you forget to look where you walk, that’s when you trip. And if until that point you haven’t helped another, less people will be there for you when you fall.