Autism, allergies, and environmental assault—these are just some of the many accusations on GMOs. GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, have been a widely controversial topic since their conception. Usually involving complex gene analysis and editing, opponents of the process have painted it as unnatural, damaging to the environment, and socially harmful. However, much of the stigma surrounding GMOs stems from false rumors and misconceptions. In reality, GMOs are beneficial to food security, the environment, and people. It is time to recognize that GMOs are not the villain many claim them to be.

Seated in a circle, pajama-covered knees bumping into one others’, our cabin of fifth-grade girls listen eagerly as we begin another nightly meeting. Madeline Crowley and I have served as cabin leaders for two years now and we began to institute these assemblies as a way to instill some advice in our young roommates, offering up a question each day for the girls to consider. Our question of the day on one particular day, however, was met with considerably less enthusiasm than the ones before; we simply asked, what is something you love about yourself?