What do we do now?

I cannot begin to describe what I felt watching my friend say in a live Facebook video that she hoped to run for president one day, but now it feels that that is an impossible dream. I can’t tell you what it feels like to watch Snapchats of college students wearing “Hillary for prison” shirts while cheering “build the wall” over and over again.  Or what I think when a friend tells me she does not want to major in political science or go to college in Washington D.C. knowing Donald Trump will be our president.  What scares me most about the results of this election is the mass fear for the future.

The polls have closed and the results are in: Donald Trump is set out to be our next president. I am just a few months too young to vote, so regardless of my opinions on both candidates, there was not much I could do but watch. I won’t lie; it felt like crap to sit on the couch, watching the election, knowing there is no way to have your voice be heard. And although I was disappointed to hear the results, I am a strong supporter of people’s ability to vote. The fact that so many people came out to vote is, by itself, amazing. But what is not amazing is the beliefs that seem to be held by most Americans, and I think this is where Hillary Clinton supporters are becoming afraid.

It is still important for America to accept the results of the election. But we should not, for a second, accept hatred. We should not accept racism, sexism, homophobia, or any kind of discrimination. We must be instrumental in making sure that America stays great, and is not ruined by those who are put in charge. We need to stand up for what we believe and reject hatred. Although Clinton may not have won, her message still stands true: we are better together.

Yes, I am scared. I am scared we will set ourselves back in the progress we have made. But, we cannot let Trump’s views represent us. Regardless of who you voted for, we need to work together to make this country a better place. A place where women can feel safe on the streets, where people can marry whomever they wish, and where people of all races and ethnicities can be treated equally. It feels ridiculous to be demanding for this change in 2016, yet the issues are still at large.

Take this opportunity not to argue for your candidate or demand a recount, but instead rise up against hatred and stand up for what is right.