Today is Election Day, a time when opinions run high and emotions can escalate. In such stressful times, it’s easy to let disagreements divide us. That’s why I believe it’s crucial to focus on respect.

To me, respect means treating everyone as equals and acknowledging that their thoughts, feelings, and identities matter. Disagreeing with someone doesn’t justify dismissing or belittling them. Growing up, I was taught to "treat others how you want to be treated," and as an adult, that principle remains vital. Kindness and grace can truly change our interactions and, by extension, our world. We often don’t know what others are facing behind the scenes, and a little compassion can go a long way.

While I recognize that not everyone has positive intentions, I believe that, in general, kindness never hurts. Social media has transformed our communication, giving us instant access to an enormous amount of opinions. Unfortunately, it can also foster negativity, as people feel emboldened to say hurtful things from behind a screen.

As we navigate this election and its divisive atmosphere, let’s remember our shared humanity. We all have the power to make the world a better place, and it starts with showing respect to one another.