Look at yourself. Think of all that is between you and your next break; classes, projects, tests and papers. We’re at that time of the year now where September dreams of perfect attendance, beautifully written essays, and golden exams are all but dust. There are only two more weeks until finals, and all the stress and anxiety they bring, are back. The end is approaching, and while beyond that barrier lays Christmas cookies and worry-free naps, there still seems to be an eternity before this semester is over and done.

Look at the country. We have elected a president with no experience in either the military or elected office. To many, he is a symbol of racism, sexism, and intolerance. We have elected a president who only 46.7 percent of Americans who voted wish to have in office. We have elected someone who has little regard for our environment at a time when we most need people advocating for the support of the world we live in.

Look at the world. Look at the almost 20 million refugees that are being forced to leave their homes. Look at our growing population. While we were only 2.6 billion in 1950, now we are at seven billion, and there is doubt as to how we are going to be able to support our growing population. Already, one in nine people are undernourished and we have stretched the environment to its limits.

Look at yourself fifteen or so years ago. The hardest essay you had to write was about what the pumpkin did on Halloween, politics was the boring background noise at Thanksgiving, and you thought you could save the earth simply by planting a tree. But things change, and now here you are. With responsibility and worry hanging over your head. And that’s okay.

Look at everything that’s weighing you down. Take a deep breath. Now remind yourself of all the people fighting for human rights, for our environment, and to make the world a better place. Remind yourself that the president-elect has shown willingness to compromise, that not all his proposals are bad, and that his derogatory remarks and bad attitude do not represent America. Remind yourself of how hard you’ve worked to get this far into the semester, and tell yourself that you can handle this next string of tests and essays, because you can. Remind yourself of how awesome you are.

Look around you. For everything under your control, go do the best you can, and know that that’s all you can do. For all you can’t control, keep dreaming, keep hoping. Keep breathing. Go forth and prosper. It’ll be okay.