Opinion

In democracies around the world and especially in the United States, real grassroots movements spark change in Congress — not on the face of the “Mona Lisa.”

Instead of peacefully living out their final days in the comfort of their homes with their loved ones, they’re made to die in an unfamiliar place, tended to by people who — though perhaps professional and compassionate — are strangers. 

Since that night, I would think back to that moment and feel ashamed that I didn’t insist louder or stop sooner, but at the same time, should I have had to? 

Perhaps everyone being home made me realize how lonely growing up can be — how the quest for independence feels a little less daunting when home base is right there.

Because even though we’re all spread across the country for college and the iMessage group chat is slowly dying, we will always have one thing in common: We were girls together.

I am either too “American” when I am trying to fit in with my Latin community at home, or I am too “brown” for the many Americans I encounter at my university.

There are no words to cover the expanse of time that has been lost.

Although campus is actively finding a financial compromise, there is a degree of uncertainty that nevertheless looms for what the future of libraries looks like at UC Berkeley.

A united Congress does not mean the elimination of dissent; ideally, unity is a product of genuine concern and eventual agreement. 

Rather than suppressing the rights of queer, trans and nonbinary folks, we should support their leadership and liberation. If we can move beyond the gender binary as we work for social justice, we can all live more authentic and joyful lives.