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‘The toxic and divisive state of our country has completely altered my generation’s perception of the world.’

A young woman with medium length dark hair and a black sweater with gray collar smiling for a portrait.
(Photograph by Trevor Jackson / For The Times, Los Angeles Times photo illustration)

Ella Kim, Immaculate Heart High School

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I had this thought recently, which sums up my high school experience: How am I supposed to study for my Advanced Placement Statistics exam when other people are taking away my rights?

As I thought about this, I was obsessively refreshing my Twitter feed and rereading a thousand opinions and predictions on Roe vs. Wade until I passed out hours later. I did not study that night.

This kind of social media binge was common for me during the pandemic, as it felt at times like the world was ending. I believe the toxic and divisive state of our country has completely altered my generation’s perception of the world. How do I learn how to become a mature adult when the “adults” are bickering over scientific facts, spewing hateful rhetoric online and spreading misinformation?

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While constant exposure to social media isn’t always healthy, it has made me acutely aware of politics and world events. It may erode my mental health, but I refuse to live in ignorant bliss.

My adolescence may have been butchered by history, but I am afraid to leave it behind — because I am terrified of the path our country is taking. Still, I find hope in my peers at Immaculate Heart. In them, I recognize genuine empathy, tenacity and brilliance, and I truly believe we can become an undeniable force of great heart and right conscience.

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