The transformation of our lives as a result of the pandemic was already challenging enough. Adjusting to a new lifestyle of wearing masks, social distancing, and even getting the vaccine (later on) was something no one really expected. Yet, in the midst of this new transition, my family and I wake up every day to the growing accumulation of fear. New reports making headlines illustrate another racially-driven hate crime and another death. Even as I walk to school, that’s down a few blocks, I’m told to keep my eyes open and constantly check my surroundings. On this walk, the same question echoes through my head, "Will I be next?". Sure, I may just be an ordinary person trying to get an education, but does that mean my life is worth any less than other humans? Should I have to live in fear that someone may try to kill me just because I look different than them? 

The pandemic isn’t just taking lives, it’s a driving force of division and an excuse to discriminate against a community--the AAPI community.  A steady rise in hostility and xenophobia against the AAPI community is partially thanks to the spread of misinformation claiming that all Asians are carriers of the coronavirus. Honestly, I’m tired of false rumors being spread around. I’m tired of being looked down upon, discriminated against, abused (physically or verbally), and accused of something that simply isn’t factual. However, it’s important to note that racial discrimination is nothing new in our country. Rather, it’s a part of our country’s history, a dark past not so long ago. 

While efforts have been made to protect AAPI communities (my deepest appreciation), I don’t think it’s enough. We need something more, a change on a larger scale enacted upon the younger generations of our country. Project ADLIS, in my opinion, is an important first step toward this change. Racial discrimination is unacceptable. That is the message we need young children--future leaders of society--to understand. What better way to do it other than accommodating this knowledge into the educational curriculum? Project ADLIS strives to further discussions on discrimination (primarily racial discrimination) and expand on the topic of equality within our country and around the globe. As the world continues to advance, we must acknowledge that visual and cultural differences are boundaries meant to be placed aside. Of course, we must honor the various backgrounds, but, at the end of the day, we’re all humans. I just hope that by beginning small in our own country, we can continue being leaders that set examples for others. We can’t be leaders in a world if we conflict among ourselves over race. Please don’t let hate win. Join us and our fight for social justice, equity, and ethics!