I recently attended a banquet, where in her acceptance speech, a scholarship recipient declared that because she had a microphone, there were things she had to tell us. Things like supporting DEI and the Department of Education and keeping opportunities alive for students who need them. She urged us to write to our local representatives and other politicians to advocate for what we desire, to take action. And although I do not have a microphone, I have a pen. So here is my message: stay true to yourself, believe what you believe, but also be open to other opinions, keep growing, don’t shut others out, listen, and always be kind. A bully may be running our country, but that does not mean we have to be like him. Celebrate diversity — we need it. America would not be the country it is without diversity. But Americans are far from being the only people who matter. Put your fellow humans above money, no matter where they are from. Love always. Even if you don’t agree, you can support a person without supporting an idea. Always be kinder than necessary, and always use your voice. It’s hard and it’s scary to speak out, even in letter form, but it is so powerful. You matter, and so does your opinion. Don’t let anyone make you feel unworthy. If you want change, make it. If you want solutions, find them. Life is not easy, especially now, and that is why it’s so important to take action. I don’t like the direction our world is going, but if we all work together, we can change our trajectory.

So write letters, speak up, and fight back against injustice. And never lose sight of the things that unite us all: our personhood, our shared Creator, and our ability to love.

We all matter. Use your voice.

May God Bless

IZZY SZYMANSKI,

Alpena