As one of thousands of high schoolers in my community, I’m continually surrounded by volunteers, founders of nonprofits, and members of a wide assortment of clubs. While all of these efforts are meaningful and outwardly make a positive difference within our world, I believe we also need to shine the spotlight on the subtler, quieter ways differences are made in my community. The ones that stand in the space between two people’s hands. The ones that are etched in the ink on Christmas cards, baked into the batter of birthday cakes, and woven into the thread of a hand-knit sweater. When I think about how to make a difference, I think of love. 

The beauty in love is that it’s simple, yet powerful. It hides between the cracks of our daily lives and often goes unnoticed, but that doesn’t negate the fact that it exists — an unwavering, pulsating undercurrent in our community that brings everyone together. I see love every day all around me, in varying — yet equally important — forms. The difference it can make is tangible, almost a physical presence I can feel pumping through my veins rather than a psychological phenomenon. 

I see it in the homecoming poster that makes a girl glow for the rest of the week. Or in the person tying their best friend’s shoe — a simple act of support that can burrow between someone’s ribs and let them know they’re loved. Or even in me, wearing my older sister’s old clothes to school, a way for her to protect me even when she’s living on the other side of the country. All of these pieces of our lives may seem mundane, but baked into their core is love — and it makes all the difference. 

It’s in these quiet ways that I try to make a difference too. When all else fails, it’s my love for my little brother that wipes the tears off his face after a hard day at school. It’s my love that gives my best friend someone to trust and confide in rather than forcing them to face life alone. It’s my love that makes a difference in my friends’ and family’s lives on a daily basis, and I’m unfathomably lucky to have them change in mine in return. 

Love is everywhere and in everyone at almost all times; it’s salvaged our society and started wars and everything in between. We can scrutinize and analyze and look at love under a microscope through a million different lenses, yet one fundamental truth we can all agree on is that love changes lives. 

Go catch up with an old friend today. Hug your parents. Tell someone you love them.