The tension and the hate I feel in person and on the internet the past week or so have been appalling. As a freshman in college at age 19, this year was my first to vote. I sent my absentee ballot on time, three weeks before the election. I had a say in who was going to be the next leader of the United States.

"There's no question in my mind that Clinton will win," I thought as I bubbled in Hillary Clinton's name on the ballot. Exactly three weeks after I bubbled her name in, I watched the internet as Donald Trump reached enough electoral votes to become the president of the United States of America. I couldn't believe my eyes. How could a man with so much hate win the highest position in government?

I cried. I cried because I thought of the career I will be searching for in only a few years. I thought about my future husband and children. This man has had no political experience and he seemed to hate so many groups of people. In my head, the world looked as if it were to end.

But then I sat there and thought a bit longer.

Donald Trump is one man. A single man. The president works with the rest of the government to implement decisions. As the people, if enough of us work together, regardless of political party, we can propose amazing ideas to make this amazing country to be even "greater" than it already is. What will tear America apart is a nation of millions, not a single man that does not even have full power over the United States.

As Americans, it is our duty to promote love and acceptance to this country that we take pride in for being the "melting pot" of people. Instead of protesting or arguing with the opposite political party, organize a peace walk. Understand each other's opinions. Talk to someone different from you. Accept each other despite political party, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. We can't love America until we all love ourselves and spread that love that will then turn into big ideas and a brighter future.

Let's see where these four years take us, and let's be there for one another in the process.