Sometimes it feels like the whole world comes crashing down at our feet. Days like these are more common now than they were in years prior, it seems. One might think that because of this, we should all just take up an “every man for himself” mentality and jump ship. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. 

It’s crucial that in such trying times as these, we come together, hoist each other up off of the ground and take turns brushing the dirt from each other’s shoulders as one. Healing a community can’t be achieved by the efforts of a few individuals — we have to be willing to put in a conscious effort to be there for one another. 

Naturally, there are some people who have it harder than others. Some people have to worry more about how to put food on the table than their neighbors; money to pay the bills may be tighter for one person than another across town. It’s our responsibility as people who are still — all things considered — very fortunate to do what we can in providing support to those who are less lucky than ourselves. 

Maybe you’re a freshman and don’t have a paying job yet, much less enough money to give to a charity. Consider opting to give old clothes to local donation centers rather than tossing them in the trash or offering to help your too-busy friend with a community service project they’ve been working on. 

In the event that you have enough time to spare a little extra, try looking at local organizations to donate to or volunteer with (safely). Take, for instance, the BumbleBee Foundation, which works to provide support to pediatric cancer families, right in our own community. If you feel like you can afford to spend a bit of money, look into supporting local businesses (even if it’s just that one friend who’s been working on building their bracelet-making business via Instagram). Every moment of kindness works to strengthen those around you. 

Small things, like running errands for immunocompromised and elderly neighbors, can make a world of difference. Expressing gratitude for the people you live with — yes, even if your mom has been telling you to eat all of your vegetables before getting a second helping of bread every day for a week — is now more crucial than ever. 

We all tend to get so caught up in what we don’t have that we overlook the things we do. Try to take a step back to recognize the wonderful community you live in, and consider what you can do to help it rebuild in a time of global crisis. Nobody is directly at fault for the catastrophes we have found ourselves in, but it’s up to all of us to fix it, even if it’s just a little bit at a time.