Recently, I read a story in the news that I'm sure many of you have seen. It was an article about the death of 19 year old UPenn student, Madison Holleran. When I read this article I was heartbroken. It's absolutely horrible to hear about someone so successful, so beautiful, and with so much potential feeling so hopeless. One of the saddest parts about her death, to me, is that no one knew what she was feeling. In today's society it is so easy to hide our feelings, thoughts and imperfections. This girl appeared to have it all. She had the grades, the athleticism, and the beauty, yet she felt so empty inside. It got me thinking about all of the people I think seem to have it all and how easy it is to portray that image. I think so many others can relate to Madison, and that is what makes her death so relevant to our generation.

The article repeatedly mentioned Instagram as a way of covering up her brokenness. If you looked at Madison's Instagram you would've thought she was a happy, social teenager who loved life. Social media in general is the source of so much self-deprecation among teens today. We compare, judge, and place value on not only ourselves, but also others based on how pretty they are, how many adventures they take, how many friends they have, and how many likes they get on a picture.

It's time that our generation stops living through meaningless apps and starts living through relationships. We all feel like we aren't enough sometimes and we all fall short. The more we compare our lives to these unrealistic photos via social media, the more unhappy we will become. Your life is immeasurable and hope is all around you. Take adventures, meet people, and explore your potential. But don't get discouraged by the “perfection" you think you can't achieve. Life is so much more than what is posted on social media. It really hit me that anyone can be going through something like Madison. While we all have our own insecurities, you never know what someone else may be going through. It's so important to treat others kindly, make them feel loved, and show them what true happiness looks like through your actions. This is a lesson I think so many teenagers, myself included, could benefit from hearing and can't be repeated enough.