I once believed the world was moving forward, towards more democracy, tolerance, and equality. However, I have learned that progress is not permanent. Tragically we are witnessing genocide in Palestine, an attempt to takeover Ukraine, the rollback of gay and trans rights, racism rising back into the mainstream, and hatred towards refugees spreading globally. These are not distant problems, they are warnings. When we grow complacent, oppression flourishes. Progress only survives when we defend it.