Many people say they don’t watch the news, because it’s negative. I don’t necessarily agree with that mindset, but I respect it and understand it. But, there are times even I wish I didn’t have to watch the news. The idea that “ignorance is bliss” is something I wish I could achieve sometimes, but with my profession, I can’t.

This summer alone, 49 people were killed at a nightclub in Orlando, where I lived for six years. I used to go dancing at that same nightclub. Racial tensions are at the highest I ever remember. Oklahoma. Baton Rouge. Minnesota. Dallas. Terror attacks continue. New York. Istanbul. Baghdad. France. The Syrian civil war is wiping out the little population it has left, and the ones who are lucky enough to escape are rejected by many of the places where they seek refuge. It’s draining. It’s frightening. It’s exhausting. It’s inexplicable.

They say hate is taught, which reminds me of something my mom has always said:

“Los hijos nacen blancos como un libro. Uno escribe en ellos lo que uno quiere.”

(When children are born, they are like a blank book. Parents, and others, write in them what they want.)

Sometimes, other things like mental health play a role in all these scenarios, and after a certain point, you’re responsible for your own decisions. But, I can’t help to look at kids and how they all play together. They don’t ask questions. There’s no prejudice. I’m sure they see a difference, because we’re all different, but they don’t pay it mind. I guess it’s part of being a blank book.

I’ve never understood what the big deal is about people being different. This saying from my mom taught me we all have a story, and most importantly, it reminds me that before I judge, I should take a moment and read their book instead.

Victoria Moll-Ramirez is a broadcast journalist based in New York City. She is originally from Miami, FL and had the great fortune of being raised by the sassiest, spunkiest, wisest, most hysterical Honduran woman in the world. Victoria’s mother, Bélgica, is 60-years-old, resides in Little Havana (Miami) and enjoys a good margarita accompanied by a heartrending ranchera. Victoria blogs about her mom’s funny and wise sayings on, “In My Mother’s Words.”