It started, ultimately, with Prince. I’m born and raised Minnesotan so he was more than just a celebrity. He was a part of our history and a member of our community. My co-teachers didn’t understand why I was upset. Then came Pulse. Walking up and finding over fifty people were dead. I had my students play a zombie mingle game to practice their English. What started out as fun ended up with me in tears as I explained why pretending to kill their friends wasn’t okay. My kids asked if I was okay. I shook my head. Prince wasn’t the only one Minnesota lost. Castile was a beloved cafeteria worker in a St Paul elementary school. He was fatally shot after following a police officers instructions. There was no reason for his death. The whole year covered the election, but it got worse as it neared election day. As it went on I saw Trump’s popularity rise. Trump, who had a child rape trial scheduled for December before his party threatened said child with death if she doesn’t drop the case. Who mocked a disabled reporter. Who still hasn’t done anything ethical to show he’ll be a good president. And then he was elected. In response to my outcry I had family members telling me that I was wrong, that it would be okay, and that we should just wait and see. I watched from afar as hate crimes rose overnight and my friends began to have panic attacks as it was now ‘okay’ to be sexist, racist, etc. I keep watching as his presidency takes fold. My life is already made harder in ways is trying to buy a house. Some of my friends in other states have already lost their rights. Many are being forced from their homes. I long to joy the protests while simultaneously wishing they weren't required. I worry about the scandals that are pouring out of the white house. My contract year is up. I'm going home in little over a week. This was not the year to be abroad. Too many times I felt helpless while my country burned. And it's still burning which is why I'm going back. I wish i could stay, but more than continuing life events, I need to add my voice. I need to shake this helpless feeling and turn my country back towards the light.
