I want to start off with a few simple things before you head into reading my article. If you haven’t already, go read my very first article that I wrote for the odyssey. Reading it tells you that I came to accept a part of my life that made me different, and that made me unique. I was proud to call myself Mexican and American because it made me who I was. Now I am a having an identity crisis.

Whether you keep up with politics are not you know that a new president was elected. It has taken me a while to process what happened after Tuesday night which we call election day. I never in my life have woken up to news that would drain the color from my face. Now, before you comment your opinions, call me a crybaby and tell me to suck it up, I have a right to give my opinion as well.

Growing up I was taught that America was the greatest place to be. It does have its faults, but it tries to learn from it as best as it can. I saw it a place where I could be anything and anyone because the sky is the limit. I would have to say it is some what true but because I am a minority it makes it harder for me to reach my goals but the fact that I can pursue them makes me feel twice as good. I loved the fact that I lived in a diverse country with so much opportunity compared to other countries. It made me feel that my duality was something to cherish and love because there so many out there like me who have these dual cultures and are trying to become successful in life. Now I feel that duality will hurt me now.

I am afraid to call myself American. I thought we were a nation of freedom and diversity. I guess I was wrong the whole time and just living in a fantasy world of my own. I never saw America ignore the true reason what actually makes America great. Our country was never really broken, but apparently to our new elected president, and those who voted for him, feel that this country isn't white enough. Now that I am no longer being considered as part American to even him, I worry for my safety and for so many others that Trump has put down.

He has made fun of women and has called my race a bunch of rapists and criminals. It hurts me. Now I’m afraid to even say a word to others outside my circle, and that includes my family and friends. I am afraid that I am going to be picked on and harassed by those who think they have the right to because Trump has one. I am afraid of being sexually assaulted and no one hearing my outcry because our new president has deemed it OK to our country. I’m afraid of my sisters coming up to me asking me if our family would be kicked out the country. I am afraid of getting a call from my cousins with them crying on the other line frantically telling me their parents have been taken away from them.

I, for one, am afraid of just being picked on because of my race. I have been discriminated before, but never on the lines where I was physical hurt. I am afraid of being physically hurt by those who feel I should go back home. Home? I don’t even know what that means anymore. I considered America home because this was where I was born and raised. This is all I know. Mexico is not technically home. Ancestrally and heritage wise it is and I have visited when I was really young, but I barely even remember those memories. All I have are memories of living here in America. I knew we were never liked here, but now it seems that it is more obvious then ever. So I guess you're right that I should go home, but I am homeless now and I have lost part of my identity the moment that I saw how American really felt. Choosing a racist, homophobic, bigoted, and xenophobe as our president has shown me the strong and true feelings that America has towards those who aren’t considered part of America. So thank you Trump and supporters for trying to scare us, making lose sight of who we are, and for losing our place we call home. However, I am not sorry that now you have ignited a flame of determination to work even harder to prove all of you wrong, Thank you for for letting me reevaluate who I am, making me twice as a prouder of where I came from and showing me that if I am proud enough in what I believe in that I can make one hell of difference. Most of all thank you for showing us Mexicans, Muslims, LGBTQ, disabled, women, black, and other groups that you have put down that we strike fear in you and so many others because you give us the power of your fear to to brings us up and show you that what you thought was wrong.

All you did was help energize so many people to fight more against you and those who think the same you do. You have given us all more purpose in this world. Thank you.