I dream of a world where everyone is equal. A world where the color of your skin, the amount you have in your bank account, or the size of your home doesn’t decide how people treat you. In this world, whether someone lives in a mansion or a one-bedroom apartment, whether they drive a Lamborghini or take the city bus, they are seen and respected the same. I dream of a world where we don’t judge others by what we see on the outside. A world where people actually listen — where understanding comes before assumption. Where people can disagree without hating each other. Disagreement would no longer be seen as a threat, but as a sign that we all think differently.

A place where disagreement doesn’t lead to fights but to true discussions that actually can help benefit both parties and lead to better understanding of the opposite’s perspective. I dream of a world where politics doesn’t turn neighbors into enemies. Where race is not used to divide, but to celebrate who we are. Culture wouldn’t be something to try and claim or withhold, it would be something to explore, to learn from, to respect, and appreciate. I dream of a world where opportunity is based on effort, not environment. Where kids growing up in struggling neighborhoods get the same chances as kids in wealthy suburbs. Imagine schools where every student has working computers, updated books, and teachers who care.

Imagine jobs that hire based on potential, not just connections. In that world, dreams aren’t limited by where you come from. I believe in a world where gender isn’t used to silence people. Where being a man or a woman doesn’t determine how much you get paid, or whether your voice gets heard. True equality means nobody is less. Nobody is more. We all matter the same. This world matters to me because I’ve seen these things. I’ve seen men and women argue about who needs who when in reality we truly all need each other. I’ve seen people judge people and races without truly understanding where those people come from and what leads to their behaviors. Friends, family, and neighbors all breaking apart because of something like politics.

Politics are important but should never be something to end relationships over. I myself have been in many disagreements. There were countless times where I’ve heard the opposite side’s story and started to better understand where they’re coming from and what makes them feel the way they do. I don’t always walk out agreeing with them but I do understand them and that’s truly what matters. This is the world I dream of. I understand the current world we live in is still a far cry from this world I dream of. But despite this I truly do believe this world is possible and it all starts with just being able to listen to what someone else has to say.