I’m scared.
As a white, cis-gendered woman who has had many privileges, I now find myself genuinely afraid for the future. I grew up in a deeply conservative area in Pennsylvania, surrounded by family and friends who, to this day, vote Republican. For years, I saw myself in the same political light, leaning moderate or even to the right on some issues. I almost didn’t go on a second date with my now-husband simply because he was a Democrat. But over time, my views changed, shaped by real-world experiences and shifts in our country.
Fear for Critical Thinking
When I talk to my family members, our discussions quickly reach a dead end. Many of them can’t back up their views with facts and instead repeat talking points from Fox News or defend Trump as a “family man” and a “good businessman.” It’s hard to reconcile how the same people who raised me, who taught me right from wrong, have become so entrenched in misinformation. My family is blue-collar, and my siblings and I are the first generation to attend college, with three out of four of us earning master’s degrees. This journey through education taught me the importance of critical thinking, something I wish could bridge the divide between us.
These days, I feel like our country is changing in ways I never could have anticipated—and not for the better. I’ve watched hate take root in ways I never saw growing up. I’ve heard people blame President Obama for dividing the country more than Trump, or claim that he “caused” the Black Lives Matter movement (which is simply untrue). It’s heartbreaking to see how easily religious beliefs are twisted to cast judgment and shame on others, instead of fostering empathy and understanding. This kind of distortion has driven me to distance myself from the church, a place I once looked to for guidance.
Fear of Inflation and the Econony
Another issue I hear often is the economy. Many people are upset about inflation and rising costs, and it’s understandable. It’s difficult to make ends meet when it feels like everything is getting more expensive. But the reality is that governments don’t always control these factors. The current administration inherited an economy in the aftermath of the Trump administration and the global pandemic. There’s no magic switch that can fix these problems in just four years. The pandemic’s impacts are still being felt, and while there are changes, it’s hard to measure the full effects of what we went through and how much of it still ripples through today.
Fear for the Climate
Beyond the political and economic divide, there’s something else that weighs heavily on my mind: climate change. I’ve experienced firsthand how warmer winters and shorter snow seasons affect things I care about, like skiing. As a child, snow was abundant; it felt like winter would always bring the joy of hitting the slopes. But in recent years, I’ve witnessed snow seasons become less reliable, including in 2015 when resorts credited season pass holders due to a lack of snow and recently in 2023/2024 was another low snow year. While weather patterns naturally shift with phenomena like La Niña and El Niño, the warming of our oceans and the changing climate are undeniable. The damage we’ve done to our planet over decades is becoming increasingly evident, and I fear it will only worsen for future generations if we don’t act now.
Fear for Women and Their Rights
I’m also scared for women—especially for my daughters. It feels like we’re constantly fighting for our right to control our own bodies, and I’m fearful that those in power want to take us backwards. The overturning of Roe v. Wade is a stark example of how our rights are under attack. In many states, doctors are afraid to treat pregnant women, uncertain about what is legal in a rapidly changing and fragmented landscape. The message being sent is clear: women’s autonomy, health, and choices are not fully ours to make. Too many still think men control women’s bodies, and the laws reflect this outdated, dangerous thinking.
The fight for gender equality is far from over, and as a mother, I worry deeply about the world my daughters will inherit. The idea that our worth is still being measured by what others want to control rather than who we are and what we can contribute to society is heartbreaking. Women deserve better, and I fear that if we don’t make our voices heard now, we risk losing ground on the progress we’ve made.
The divide is deepening, and I worry for those who don’t look like me, who don’t share my privileges. I worry for my daughters. I worry for the world they’re inheriting—a world that feels increasingly hostile, divided, and resistant to change.
As we face these uncertain times, one thing is clear: we can’t afford to move backwards. The challenges ahead—whether it’s climate change, protecting women’s rights, or addressing economic struggles—demand thoughtful, progressive leadership. We will continue to support organizations and movements that align with our values and work toward solutions that don’t undo the progress we’ve fought so hard for. With the upcoming administration poised to select up to three new Supreme Court Justices, the stakes are higher than ever. It’s up to all of us to ensure the future we build doesn’t set us back years, but instead creates a fairer, more sustainable world for our children and generations to come.