As a result of the civil war in Syria, millions of people, many of them children, have been left without a home and in danger because of the continued violence. Living in the U.S., it is easy to sit back and not concern ourselves with their problems.

However, with the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and the increased media attention being given to the refugee crisis, students at EPHS have become more concerned with the atrocities occurring abroad and want to do something about it. The best way to help is not to wear a certain color for a day, or to tweet about it. The best thing that someone living so far away from these events to do is to educate themselves on the matter. Educate not only yourself, but discuss the things you learn with your teachers, parents, and friends. America can come a long way if its citizens, especially young people and students, are knowledgeable about current events.

Many students will be able to vote in the presidential next November. For the sake of the well-being of the rest of the world, read up on each candidate and what he or she stands for. Vote your conscience and not for whom your parents or friends think it should be. Look at each candidate’s specific plan for the crisis in the Middle East and in other areas and judge for yourself which one you think is best.

This may sound like an overreaction, but the fate of the world is in our hands. Not only as voters, but as the young generation in the world. It is our time to change the world. The only way to change it for the better is to start with being educated on the problems that face not only us but other countries as well.