By Devin Kiernan
As last night's coverage slowly unfolded, I was left a sobbing mess on the floor of my apartment. Growing up in Vermont, and now as college student on a relatively liberal campus, I can honestly say that I never saw this coming. Since June of 2015, when Donald Trump was announcing his campaign, my peers and I silently shook our heads and laughed, knowing that someone like him could never possibly be elected.
Last night, everything I thought I knew was shattered. For months now I have been conversing with my friends and family about how disgusting Trump is, not only as a person, but also as potential representative. It baffles me that someone who has been continually outspoken about his discriminatory views on immigrants, the LGBTQIA community, Muslims, African-Americans and women could receive the support of my fellow Americans. Moreover, the fact that a woman far more qualified to hold office lost to a man who has constantly objectified intelligent women angers me to no end.
Today, I am incredibly disheartened by what has transpired in this election. But that is today. Tomorrow, after I have had time to grieve, I will wake up with a sense a purpose greater than I have ever felt. This, the first presidential election I’ve had the privilege to vote in, has strengthened my political convictions more than I could ever imagine. I am not going to try to shove my views down your throat–now is just not the time. But I will say that if you believe in equality and taking care of your neighbors, now is the time to act.
We have suffered a tremendous loss, and while we may be angry, the best way to make light of this situation is to see it as an opportunity to create change. As a young woman in the course of my education and with high hopes for my future, I feel more motivated than ever to create this change.
I cannot speak to the fear some minorities may feel right now, but I can speak to how I feel as someone Trump has continually demeaned. Many women my age may feel that his presidency and Hillary’s loss are a major setback in breaking the glass ceiling. While I agree with this, I think we need to view this as an obstacle that will only make us stronger. Within the past 24 hours, my dedication to getting educated, standing up for my equal rights and becoming involved in the political process has increased tenfold. Donald Trump’s win endangers my right to equality in the workforce. I am not okay with that and you shouldn’t be either.
So, what are we going to do about it? We are going to vote. For many young people, this election has been a wakeup call. I know several people who simply did not vote because they did not agree with either candidate. No matter your political opinions, you should have a basic understanding of your own views on human rights and which candidate will represent those views best. Your vote matters, as this election has made clear. You may not agree with either candidate fully, but not casting a vote is a disgrace to American democracy, especially when so many basic rights are being threatened. And when Harambe gets 15,000 votes, clearly there is an issue.
If, like me, you feel threatened by our new commander-in-chief, take your fear and your anger and make something positive out of it. Get involved on campus. Figure out what your views are how you can represent them. Value your education, for it is so vital in making progress in this society. Listen to other opinions and be open to discussion. Gain inspiration from these strong women, who understand what needs to happen next. But most importantly, do not let this opportunity for advocacy pass you by. I hope anyone who is reading this will be outspoken about their beliefs and fight for them. The next four years are uncertain. But if we take those four years to learn and grow, who knows what we can achieve in 2020?