Sometimes it’s normal to feel like we don’t have a voice. In a world with so many people and opinions, we ask ourself the same question countless times, “How do I make a difference?” We think, “I am not a millionaire, nor do I have some extravagant strategy for my opinions to be heard, so how would my strive for change progress anywhere?” It seems as if those who speak out for change are only pushed back down. But after this past year, I think many of us, including myself, are tired of sitting and watching the country we love fall into the hands of racism, sexism and unfair opportunity. This isn’t about a Presidential Election, this is about our country, and what we can do to save it.

As a young woman, I am scared. I am scared that because of my gender my rights will be pushed aside. I am scared because I live in a country where men who abuse women can succeed and are applauded in organizations such as the NFL and more. If people sit around and allow this to happen, nothing will change.

Racism is still clear, as is sexism. The wage gap is still prominent; an inequality citizens have been fighting for, for decades. A news headline reads how state governments are trying to ban transgender people from using the bathroom of their new gender - but really, who is going to notice? People of a different race are profiled, questioned and treated unfairly in numerous circumstances. People are unwilling to accept equality in a nation that bases its values around democracy and opportunity.

If change never occurs, how is progress ever supposed to happen?

After the election this past year, I think many American’s eyes were opened. Not only has the Nation changed, but the world has changed. Now it seems as if public shootings are no longer an unusual event, security is everywhere and although maybe national security has been strengthened, personal security has been threatened. This is scary, to say the least, and it is easy for people to just avoid talking about these events because they are so terrifying. However, just because the world has changed, doesn't mean we must stop our lives and let fear control decisions.

Although sometimes it may feel like a stretch nowadays to voice your own opinion about these topics, it is vital to do so. Regardless of who you vote for, or which party you side with, people are people. This is our country. We cannot just sit here on our living room couches and let the country be controlled by a couple of wealthy individuals. You might think that your opinion doesn't matter in a world of billions, but it only takes one voice to spark a change.