Our country is enduring major changes in the way our government runs. There are issues such as current ICE raids, America’s swift fall into fascism with Nazi supporters assuming leadership supporters, and the drastic increase in the cost of living.

Many Americans are starting to feel the toll of it all affecting their lifestyles as well as their overall health. Mental illness is touching the lives of 60 million Americans, about 23.08%, and people are feeling more inclined to do something about the path our country is heading down.

America has been a capitalist country since its founding, and its problematic intervention with other countries in the pursuit of power and profit has led our nation into having blood on its hands. Those of us who understand this dark side of the U.S., especially us college students, are no stranger to seeing America for the money hungry, blood shedding country it’s always been.

However, with recent events, people are beginning to see that these devious mannerisms have started to leak into our own local organizations and cities. People are beginning to wake up to the evil powers at play within our nation; a nation that thrives on pitting a few against the many. Our country is one that counts on the masses having to live on pennies while those on top have more money than is even possible to use within their lifetimes.

We have been strategically divided, hating on our neighbors for “stealing jobs,” for being “criminals,” and for being against shared values. The citizens of this nation are being divided by the propaganda being fed to many of us on silver spoons, and this is exactly what those in power want.

But the masses have always been more powerful than our so-called leaders. The French, British, and Haitian revolution were led by oppressed people versus those with power. Led by those who were tired of being stepped on.

People are beginning to truly see the power we hold and the potential we have through unity and resistance. With so many important movements—such as the Women’s Rights and Civil Rights movement—our country’s history has shown us that we are stronger when we stand together and show that we will not be forgotten.

America is becoming an oligarchy, with our nation being run by rich fascists who put profit over people. It’s easy to ask, “how can the little guys fight back against those who seem to have it all?” But it’s important to understand that these emotions have been felt throughout history. The times of kings were believed to be an inevitable part of our natural condition as humans seemingly desire to be led. But time and time again, history has shown us that humans want to live good, full lives and we will only respect our governments as long as they respect us.

The reality is that our power scares them. To avoid violence, peaceful protests became a successor to the bloodshed, guillotines, and massacres that common citizens used to refuse their governments and regain power. But with recent situations, we see just how much impact violence can have against these powerful people. After Luigi Mangione allegedly eliminated a CEO, other CEOs hid away from the public eye out of fear. One man with a gun had the support of the masses, and those in power were visibly afraid.

All of this is to say that no matter the methods, our unity scares weak, rich people who have so much control in our nation. Perhaps it’s time to remind them that our citizens and democracy are the only things we truly value.

10.4% of people in Massachusetts live below the poverty line but with the cost of living this value can easily rise in the upcoming months, especially with new tariff polices being introduced. Many can’t afford common life-saving healthcare such as insulin or inhalers, and many more are becoming fearful of our masochist officials that take on roles that often abuse power such as police and law enforcement. Our country is aligning with all the things that label other nations as underdeveloped and dangerous, but we’re expected to have pride in our nation.

It is time to acknowledge that our governments are meant to benefit the masses. Our labor, our education, and our citizens are the reason this country survives. Without us, the power-hungry have nothing.

They are scared of our unity, thus they feed us propaganda to separate us. They are scared of the power of our voices, so they (allegedly) rig elections. They are scared of our protests, so they introduce martial law.

We are the ones that influence change, not them. And perhaps it’s time to remind them again. As college students, we are the prime age group to enforce this change. We enter the world with fresh beliefs and values, heading into the workforce with unwavering strength and hope.

This is why organizations such as the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) arise, because college students are known to be educated and are actively learning exactly how the world works. The responsibility is on us to shine light on issues that those who do not have the privilege to attend university miss out on.

To all those who are capable of contributing to the change in our nation through protests, please realize just how important all of us are in this fight for democracy. Not everyone can be on the front lines, but we all have our strengths.

Some of us are nurturers for those who do the harder battles. Some of us are educators who help citizens understand their power and rights. But regardless, every single one of us have the power to face fascism head on, and I believe we truly can be the change we want to see in this nation.

These next four years will be hard and filled with uncertainty and fear. However, these feelings are often felt before great shifts. Those in power count on us to feel afraid, but as author Elaine Welteroth said, “There is always more waiting for you on the other side of fear.”

A new transformation is coming for America, and the American people are ready and prepared to face the challenges that may come. We are stronger when we stick together, and we can truly create a nation that benefits the majority, not the few.