Nov. 3 marks the conclusion of the precedent-setting 2020 presidential election and the start of a new unique chapter in American history. If the Biden-Harris ticket wins, we will see the highest-ranking woman ever enter the White House. If President Donald Trump wins, he will be faced with the difficult task of uniting a nation divided. As both candidates scratch and claw for every vote they can get, this election cycle promises a memorable finish. 

Walking around The Hill School, even with the new COVID-19 restrictions, you’ll notice three things. First, students and teachers have a lot on their minds. Next, The Hill has a significant international population. Lastly, a sizable majority of students are not of voting age. On top of all that, within the “Hill Bubble” the realities of the world often feel distant – like the world’s tragedies don’t even exist. Therefore, an important question must be asked: Are you listening, Hill?

“I am definitely listening. All my friends are talking about it, and, while I am not a huge political guy, I know that this is going to impact my life for a long time, so it is my responsibility to be informed and have an opinion on what’s happening,” said Jed Korankye ’22, who is not eligible to vote.

The coming months will affect almost everyone, but staying on top of current events, especially this upcoming election, seems more demanding than usual for some students. 

“I am listening. However, with the added stress of COVID conditions, my college applications, and racial tension in the country, I’ve found it difficult to remain informed at all times because of the strain it has put on me. But this election is very important to me, as I will be an adult in less than a year now,” said Mofe Akinyanmi ’21, who is not eligible to vote (and who serves as the Arts and Leisure editor for The Hill News). 

“It does bother me that I will not be able to participate in this event, an election that I am old enough to understand and will affect me for a large part of my life. However, I will continue to do my part by encouraging my classmates and families to use their voices and try to find a balance between keeping up with current events without burning out.” 

Other students have a reasonably different sentiment, as everyday stressors are piling up. “I am not listening,” said Alan Kassymov ’21, who is eligible to vote. “Handling the college process and the stress of COVID-19 leaves me exhausted every day. I don’t have the time; I try my best to pay attention, but it’s just not a priority.” 

“Even though I don’t agree with either candidate, I care about the people that they are surrounding themselves with. It’s stressing me out, the feeling that the country is gonna fall apart,” said Cecile Wegman ’23, who is not eligible to vote this year.

 In Instructor of Math and Sciences Will Scully’s words, the only way to make your voice count is to engage yourself with the process, speak up, and get out and vote — democracy only works when all those who live in it participate.