We are now in the third month of President Donald Trump’s second term. In this time, essential agencies and institutions that support a healthy, educated society have been defunded, including the Wilson Center, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness to name a few. This has caused irreparable damage. The legal precedent for much of this defunding is questionable if not outright unconstitutional. Whether or not these actions are legal, they are hurting communities and undermining our society. Constitutional or not, the destruction is happening. It is your neighbors—not the wealthy men you see arguing on TV—who are suffering because of it.
We at the Delta Collegiate have witnessed the harm this federal chaos has caused in our communities; we encourage readers to take steps to manage burnout and apathy. The sudden upheaval of normalcy in the United States and abroad can cause added stress that makes daily tasks harder to accomplish. It is vital—for the sake of our democracy and our sanity—that we do not become apathetic toward institutional corruption and attacks on human rights. A healthy democracy is an informed democracy, and to stay informed you must have the mental bandwidth to keep up with current events. This can be hard to do if you are burned out from school, work, money, or relationships, and many turn away from the news to avoid anxiety.
Many of our readers are Delta College students and can access the resources the college offers. Whether it’s someone to talk to, food on the table, a job that accommodates your studies or a community of like-minded people, the staff at Delta can help you find what you need. If you do not have access to Delta, look to local organizations that can help. Many of us are struggling and are afraid of exposing our struggles to the world, but there is humanity in community. In times like these, we need to strengthen ties with those around us. Find what keeps you engaged in your community. Share your concerns with your neighbors. Listen when someone tells you they are worried and help others whenever you can; a ride to school or a heartfelt conversation can go a long way.
The present is overwhelming, and the future uncertain. But there are strategies we can use to keep ourselves grounded and resources available within our communities. There is strength in community, in shared space, in learning. Find that, and never let it go.
Counseling Services
confidentialcounsel@delta.edu
989-686-9330
Food Pantry
foodpantry@delta.edu
Delta’s Closet
989-686-9259
Disability Resources
disabilityresources@delta.edu
989-686-9794
Financial Aid
financialaid@delta.edu
989-686-9080
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