RRR with Rayan: How do I navigate politics and school?
Q: How do I navigate politics and school? I have been seeing so many stories about ICE in our city. I feel like every time I turn my phone on, there's something new and scary going on. I feel like I can’t manage it all; I feel so afraid.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for your question. I feel like there are many of us experiencing the same fears, especially as each day feels uncertain. Politics are everywhere: on our phones, in our communities, and even outside of our windows. It may feel easy to turn a blind eye, because sometimes ignorance can feel blissful, but understanding what's happening in the world around you can make this awful feeling smaller.
I had this conversation with a friend recently. I told my friend I was feeling so overwhelmed with all the news each day; at this point it was already 12am, and she said, "Don't you think you have already seen what you need to see today?" "And she was right; continuing to drive myself insane, rather than creating a tangible action plan in tune with what I value, was driving me further into a pit of despair.
You can engage in politics in a way that feels meaningful, without drowning yourself in it. As people, we want to fix everything; we naturally feel empathy, fear, and anxiety, especially when those around us are experiencing hardship, but the only thing we really can do is take it one step at a time and control what we can.
One of the best ways to start feeling in control is to get educated, whether that's going to a workshop, a class, going to the library, or talking to people in your community about what they've been experiencing. The Minneapolis community specifically has been providing a multitude of resources for know-your-rights trainings and educational opportunities.
Below are a few resources:
Know Your Rights Fact Sheet - Immigrant Law Center of MN
Know your rights cards can even be found in the Center for Women, CDC 230, near the coffee shop.
Once you find your footing in knowledge, it's time to stay active in your community. You do not have to do this alone; times of fear and distress often create division, but what truly heals is community. Spend time with those you love, and talk about your fears, your worries, and even more so your dreams. Tell them where your heart lays, and allow them to do the same. Gather often, find joy in small moments, and continue showing up for those in your life.
You might even consider joining a support group through organizations the National Alliance on Mental Illness or visiting the counseling center, in Derham Hall 330 on campus, or during Let's Talk, a quick service held by the counseling service to help students with mental and emotional health needs Monday-Friday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in Library Room 124
I know this feels hard, and I share your despair, but we cannot turn a blind eye; it's our job as young people to continue showing up and stay engaged where we can, whether virtually, in person through protesting, or through other actions like mutual aid, volunteering, or other forms of advocacy.
You don't have to start big, but you can tackle this head-on with small, realistic steps that make a big difference. I urge you to find something to do today that feels manageable but reminds you of your values. You can do this; we're in it together.
