We live in a world where it feels like the roof is constantly going to cave in, where the columns are starting to buckle from stress, and where the world is constantly on fire – literally.

Every day there is a new headline to ruin your day. From witnessing a genocide funded by American tax money to targeted escalations in deportations to the growing realization that corporations hold most, if not all, the cards.

With all of this added pressure, how does one stay afloat while also staying in tune?

First, do not be despondent. Do not feel ashamed to not know all of the answers; in times of uncertainty, everything should be questioned. Do not let hope die under the stress of believing that nothing can be done.

To remain hopeful for the life and liberty of those suffering is to show resilience. It is easy to fall into powerlessness, but individuals do have the ability to create change; if not on c national or global level, then at least within the perception of others or in one’s communities.

The excuse of not being able to do anything is out; there are countless ways to do something. Of course, the majority may not be able to write legislation, but people can read books, drop $5 in a GoFundMe, attend a nearby protest or demonstration, and if that does not sound appealing, emailing or calling local representatives to voice concerns is always an option.

Second, show solidarity by showing up. Support the local communities and people that are being affected by global and domestic issues. This is not only a great way to advocate for communities in need, but to create understanding for situations and personal stories that differ from an individual’s lived experiences.

CSUF is located in Orange County, home of Little Arabia.

For those interested, a simple way to begin advocating for Palestine is to visit one of the many Palestinian-owned shops around the city and learn a thing or two about the culture. Not only is supporting these areas a means of protest via demonstrating the power of the dollar, but it keeps those cultural hubs alive while also putting some money in their pockets.

At the end of the day, one must always give themselves time to process. In a media landscape where people are bombarded with information at all times, it is hard to find time to sit with new pressing information.

If something is too hard to look at, people often swipe away and never think about it again, not allowing them to process the information they’ve just seen. If being in the wrong headspace makes it difficult to engage in these heavy topics, it’s okay to create space to think and manage difficult emotions.

After speaking with a fellow student organizer Franchesca Palomar, they expressed the importance of self care during these moments of vulnerability.

“It’s really radical and revolutionary to take care of ourselves while also experiencing things that are going on outside of us,” Palomar said.

This is not an excuse to completely disengage from the social and political unease that the world is going through, but to allow space. Neglecting the atrocities around the world will not make them go away.

“When you come from a place of privilege and you have the money, the capacity to actually educate yourself and your essential decisive answer is I would rather stay in my corner where my needs are being met more than anyone else is extremely hypocritical…you still are a part of the problem,” Palomar said.

Although abandoning the atrocities of the world is never a valid response, hope begins to die if one allows that negativity to completely consume and crush them. These are harsh times, but it is the duty of those witnessing those hard times to remain knowledgeable and informative.