This week’s Presidential Address to the nation was a first for President Obama — he did not utter a word. It was Francine Wheeler who addressed the entire nation via radio and YouTube.

The profound impact of Ms. Wheeler’s rhetoric was not rooted in the fact that she gave the address instead of the president. The majority of people were clueless as to who Ms. Wheeler was. But her emotional plea for gun control measures stemmed from the loss of her 6 year-old son, Ben Wheeler, who was tragically and senselessly murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

More than the emotion and reasoning present in Ms. Wheeler’s address, something larger was made obvious. We were reminded of the fact that every person has a voice and every person needs to use that voice. Though Ms. Wheeler’s words were specific to the heated debate on gun control, she, in the big picture, exemplified an important democratic ideal: To see change in our lives, we must all contribute to the public discourse.

Making visions of change come to fruition takes collective effort. Passionate, committed people banding together for a cause is vital to effectuating necessary change. On the flipside, the absence of unity can often undermine a movement before it even begins. This applies to all aspects of society including our own campus community. We can see with the recent Service Employees International Union Local 73 strikes that an organization or institution must stand up for what it believes is right and for what it believes is wrong.

Today, as students, we face a multitude of issues: student debt, academic work, friendly and intimate relationships. Our shared issues are both small and large. Regardless of the size, however, each issue is important to our progress as individuals and, therefore, how we positively impact those around us.

Acknowledging a problem or issue takes courage. The bliss of ignorance serves no greater good. Naturally, at times all of us get wrapped up in our hectic schedules. We struggle to look past the pile of homework or upcoming social event and see any real issue that needs to be addressed. We think we are too busy. We think that “it’s not my problem.” We think someone else will take care of it. But it is precisely then that we must take into account a famous quote by Freedom Rider John Lewis, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”

Recognition of a problem is only the first step; your voice must be heard. It is crucial. The expression of an opinion is often the foundation of further action. Your voice reaches a community who shares your views. At our campus, there are plenty of people — friends, teachers and advisers — who are willing to help perpetuate change. All we have to do is speak and then go from there.

Modern technology allows us all to voice our opinions in various forms. Yes, you can still write a letter to your local representative or make a phone call. Unlike older generations, we can tweet at them. We can post a Facebook status. We can start our own blogs. We can send texts. You get the idea — the options you have are virtually at your disposal. The changing mediums of communication are allowing us to connect like never before.  

Change only happens when we put our words to action. Whether you are an opponent or proponent of an issue, it is our duty as citizens of a democracy to speak our minds. It is a right we are all given.

I’m often reminded of the proverb, “If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” What about your opinion? If you have an opinion and don’t voice it, does it exist in the first place? The choice to see a change in your life is in your own hands. Don’t let it slip through your fingers.

Imran is a sophomore in LAS. He can be reached at [email protected].