Unedited editorial I wrote last semester

A rush of hot water pours through my fingers—each tiny droplet tingling on fresh skin. How can I start? I glance up at the bathroom mirror, palms still thrust beneath the luxurious flow of liquid. Somber green eyes gaze back from the reflection on the wall. What can I say that will make people care? How do I show them that the world is full of hurt they can help fix?

I think about all the teens that will commit suicide because someone threw out hateful words (such as the socially acceptable “fag” and “that’s gay.” Suicide rates for gay teens are four times that of their straight peers).

I think about the Middle Eastern immigrants and descendents who are subject to harsh prejudice (One boy’s father was shot buying groceries because someone thought he “looked like a terrorist”).

I think about the silent victims of abuse and rape—can we teach you to scream? Can we help you speak out against what’s been done to you and aid in prevention?

I think about the countries suffering from water-shortages, where children pass on a cup of water because “it’s not their day to have a drink.” How much water do we waste? How much water do I waste?

My reverie ends as I glace down to soaked hands; eyebrows lift. Quickly, I shut off the water. How will you start?

“It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can.”
-Sydney Smith