Solidarity

So I think it's safe to say this week has not gone terribly well in the world of American politics. It's been weird watching everything play out from afar, and a part of me wishes I was home. I feel so helpless, and while it would likely not be much different if I was home, I would least feel closer to it. It's also interesting to note that I had more political conversations in this past week than I have had since I've moved to England.

Basically what I'm learning is the whole world is on edge. Probably with good reason.

I think one of the worst things that's happened is restricting communications of the EPA. I say "I think", but in all honesty it's what has terrified me the most. Trump has already made it clear he doesn't believe in climate change, but constricting the communications and funding of an organization that fights for the environment and funds research that helps protect our world is dangerous for everyone, not just America. It also proves to me that Trump desires to lead an uneducated America, which is the scariest part about the whole thing.

I had foolishly thought that the rest of the government would be able to prevent some of Trump's stupidest promises from happening (i.e. the giant wall). I feel so let down by my government, but I also feel I let myself down. I have the privilege of having a good education, but I don't understand the basic workings of the government. If I'm being completely honest with myself, I still don't fully understand the electoral college. It's these sort of revelations that makes me truly understand how Trump won the presidency. He played the people through their ignorance, and many are now regretting their choice (there's a whole Twitter account dedicated to retweeting tweets of people who voted for Trump but now regret it). 

So the title of my post is solidarity, because that's what we, as Americans, really need right now. We need to help educate ourselves and educate those around us. We have to protect our right to know what's happening in the world. We have to find ways to reach out and connect with others around the world as well, as they will feel the repercussions from many of Trump's decisions.

As Shia LeBeouf (bless him and his strangeness) is trying to prove with his protest installment, he will not divide us. I think this is important not just for the American people, but also the rest of the world. Trump is literally trying to divide us from our neighbors in Mexico with a giant wall. He is trying to prevent us from aiding refugees. He is trying to keep us from almost an entire culture by banning immigrants from middle Eastern countries and trying to start a Muslim registry. But we can show that we will not be divided.

The Women's March in Washington that happened in D.C., all around the country, and even all around the world, proved the real need for solidarity. While I wasn't able to participate in any, I saw the power that the people truly hold if they come together for a common cause. 

Side note: I've seen a few Facebook "friends" share that they didn't "believe" in the Women's March (how do you not believe in it? It literally happened in front of your own eyes? But whatever) and didn't support what it stood for. Some women shared that they didn't believe women were oppressed because they've never been oppressed or assaulted or felt lesser in anyway. Obviously because it didn't happen to them it doesn't exist, right? On that note, I'm going to leave this picture here so you can see how stupid that logic really is, and I'll let everyone make their own conclusions from it.

In essence, solidarity is our weapon. Fight for women's rights. Fight to prove climate change is real and convince the government to do something about it. Fight to help refugees. Fight to maintain our relationship with countries around the world. Fight for our education. Fight for the good in the world. But most of all, fight for each other, and do it together. 

Together, we can remind the government that the people hold the power. We can show them that we will not be satisfied with the current status. We can prove that a people undivided can promote great change, instill equality, and ensure the safety and well-being of our country and the rest of the world. 

This is a scary, unstable time in our history, but through solidarity, hope, and acceptance, we can create a happy ending. 

Happy New Year!

About a week late, but it's always better late than never! Well we survived what many are saying is one of the worst years ever. Bye 2016, hello 2017! But in all honesty, this was probably one of the best years I've had, at least school/career wise. So things are about to get personal here, so stick with me if you want!

One of the most popular sayings every new year is the whole, "new year, new me!" thing. While I think it is a good opportunity to change yourself for the better, I'm very happy with who I am and where I am in my life. 2016 was a year of filled with stress and excitement. I was applying for PhD programs and national scholarships at the same time; I was blessed to be able to travel all over the United States for conferences and interviews, generously supported by my university and the universities I was applying to; and I will forever remember the moment I found out I received the Fulbright scholarship, sitting in a hotel room in Seattle with my sister, her roommate, and my cousin.

However, while 2016 has been good to me, I really am excited to see what 2017 brings. I'll receive a master's degree (at least, if all goes to plan these next few months!), move back to the United States, and start the last (ish) stage of my education in Florida. I have a feeling that it's going to go by really quickly, so I'm going to be really cheesy and say I'm going to cherish every moment of it.

I think I'll just offer a preview of what's to come in these next few months with Fulbright and studying in Leicester. Tomorrow I will begin my independent research project, which begins the stressful but exciting process of developing my thesis, which will hopefully lead to me being awarded my master's degree. I'm very excited about this, as independent research is definitely a strength of mine. For the first time I'll be working in a clinical-based lab too, which is something I've never done but am thankful for the opportunity.

My research will likely dominate my life in the coming months, but since it is an independent project, I will have much more flexibility in my schedule. Because of this, I'm hoping to be able to travel more, both around the UK and in Europe. I've never been to mainland Europe (besides a layover in Amsterdam that I don't count), so I'm looking forward to that opportunity. I'm also going to try to go to an international conference while I'm here, one because I love going to conferences, and two I think it will be different than all other conferences I've attended in the states.

That's what I have planned for myself right now. I'm not a resolution-making person, so sadly I can't share any of that. But I suppose my goals are to graduate (seems obvious enough) and take full advantage of living in England for the seven months that remain.

Thank you to those who have been reading my blog thus far, and I hope I will write posts more regularly in these next few months (which sounds pretty close to a resolution)!