For as long as I can remember, my eyes have been drawn to the TV. Chances are my grandpa had it on, whether it was CNN, MSNBC, or ABC. Looking back, it was probably a little unusual for a child to consume so much news at such a young age, but I couldn’t get enough. That early curiosity grew into a hunger for knowledge and a fascination with the world around me. This would eventually lead me to my major of choice today: political science.Â
I’ve come to believe that everything and everyone is touched by politics, whether we like it or not. As my comparative politics professor often reminds us, “the state reaches into every aspect of our lives.” Yet, in today’s climate of polarization and constant contention, it can be difficult to separate my education from my own well-being. Over time, and after plenty of trial and error, I’ve learned how to manage the weight of it all, by developing tools to protect my mental health.Â
One of the best lessons I’ve picked up is this: you have to distinguish the things that bring you joy from the things that drain it. While I do get a kick out of scrolling through TikTok, I make a conscious effort to curate my feed so that it’s largely free from politics. Easier said than done, of course, but giving yourself grace and recognizing your limits is essential. Personally, I can only absorb so many “history-making” headlines in a single day before I feel myself spiraling. There’s an important difference between being well-informed and simply doomscrolling. For me, learning where that line is has made all the difference.
The next piece of advice I would offer is to be intentional about choosing your battles. True productivity in activism and education comes from directing your energy where it can actually make a difference, instead of letting it drain away in endless, fruitless conflicts. Spending hours arguing with strangers on X over some minor policy detail is neither productive nor healthy. In my experience, these debates only leave me more jaded and frustrated, rather than enlightened or empowered.Â
Instead, I’ve found it far more worthwhile to invest that energy into my education. Focusing on excelling in my classes and mastering core concepts not only gives me a sense of purpose, but also reassures me that I’m building toward something greater than myself. In the long run, this will allow me to contribute more meaningfully to society.Â
My last, and perhaps most important, piece of advice is simple: take care of your neighbors. The world can be overwhelming. At times, it feels like it grows scarier by the minute, but small acts of kindness matter. It may sound cliché, but extending care and empathy to those around us not only helps them, it also reminds us of our shared humanity. Lead with compassion, keep perspective, and remember that while you are one person among many, your efforts can still create ripples of good. Last, but most importantly, remind yourself that the weight of the world does not rest on your shoulders, no matter how heavy the news makes it seem.