HEART. PINKY. These seemingly unrelated words are always my first choices in Wordle, The New York Times’ hit brain game, where users attempt to guess the word-of-the-day. Serving as a time killer for the monotonous droning of my teachers, I find joy in the small satisfactions: the jumping green letters that indicate that I have finally solved the puzzle.

When I scroll down, I notice a link to The New York Times website. Clicking on the link is always a convenient way to transition from my daily game to updating myself on current events.

This is my way out of the North Shore bubble. If I never venture out to look at what’s happening around me, I lose the opportunity to make informed decisions, have a nuanced perspective, and stay connected to the broader world.

Just two weeks ago when I checked on the news, it was filled with articles about South Korea, the country of my heritage, going under martial law. This would give the president the power to use the military to keep order during a war or a war-like situation. That night, my parents and I called our family living there to discuss its implications.

Keeping myself updated allowed me to connect with my family, even ones half a world away. To my relief, the law was lifted the next day. However, it was a tense time, and I was able to be there for my loved ones.

Not only should you keep up with current events, it is imperative that you get your news from trusted, reputable sources. Social media apps like TikTok, X, and Instagram provide news, which is sometimes false. Currently, 48 percent of TikTok users under 30 say they use the app to keep up with politics and news, according to a Pew Research Center survey: a dangerous statistic showing that many people get their news from irreputable sources.

If keeping up with national news organizations sounds intimidating, you can always look at their social media accounts; they are posting the same content, even making information easier to understand to a younger audience by using trends and memes. Keeping up with current events is as easy as following a news account and watching a video that comes up on the “Following” section of TikTok. Just make sure you are following the right accounts and that their information can be backed up with reputable sources.

Looking for a sign to keep up with current events? The time is now. In light of the election, it’s more important than ever to be educated on what’s happening around us. Whether you agree or disagree with the President-Elect’s choices, a new political era is approaching; take the first step to understand how these new policies, cabinet picks, and stances might affect you and your loved ones.

If you can take the time to play a Wordle, you most likely have the time to read through at least one article on a newsfeed. Not only does the Glenview Public Library, with possession of a library card, offer free access to The New York Times, it also does for The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Sun-Times, and Chicago Tribune. Whether you play the Wordle, the Connections, the Mini Crossword, Strands, or the Spelling Bee, there’s always The New York Times website down on the bottom. However, you don’t need to get all your information from The New York Times specifically–choose any reputable news source you want.

Just educate yourself on current events, and do it from the correct sources.