The 2016 Presidential Election has finally come to an end. It's been a long, draining political season. This was by far the craziest election I've been alive for, as well as the first in which I was eligible to vote. When the Republican and Democratic candidates were elected, I truly had no idea who to vote for because honestly, I couldn't believe those were who America had chosen to run for our president. For many of voters, the election literally came down to choosing the "lesser of two evils." Because I am not a member of either primary party, I was able to approach each candidate's campaign with an open mind. Like many, my final choice was actually a vote against a candidate rather than for a candidate. Despite who you voted for, we can all agree to be glad that this insane political season is drawing to an end. The result of the election is that Donald Trump is the president-elect. For some, this is a time of celebration, and for others, this is a major defeat. Regardless of who you voted for, this is not the time to further divide ourselves as a nation.

How should Republicans react to the election results?

To Republicans and Trump supporters everywhere, congratulations on the win. You exercised your right to vote, and it paid off. You have the right to express your pride and happiness in choosing our nation's next president. Now, think of your fellow Americans whose candidate did not win, roughly half of the total voters in the election. Please have compassion for those who feel defeated, stripped of their rights, terrified, and unsafe. It is imperative that we as a nation comfort those who are grieving. In order to "make America great again," we must start by standing by each other and abandoning all stereotypes, prejudices, and hate. In order to not be grouped with the Trump supporters who target other races, graffiti racial slurs in public, radiate hate, and isolate those of different opinions, you must condemn those you partake in those acts. It is unfair to stereotype on either side. Americans who are hurting right now need to understand that you do not harness hatred towards them. Reverse the stereotype affiliated with Republicans and Trump supporters by showing compassion and understanding.

How should Democrats react to the election results?

To those who are upset, hurting, frightened, or angry over the election results, this is not the end. You are in no position to stop fighting for your rights and uphold your beliefs. My heart is with those of you who fear for your future. Though many of you were reluctant to back Hillary Clinton, you took a leap of faith and stood by her anyway. You must do the same amongst yourselves as well as the rest of the nation at this time. Rioting and other violent acts are not the way to accomplish anything. Through peaceful protesting and standing by your beliefs, you will project a bold message. It is important to speak out against those in your party or those with similar beliefs who use violence as a catalyst for change. Finally, the most practical thing to do now is to give our president-elect a chance to lead our country in a positive direction. Though his campaign offered a multitude of reasons to not give him the time of day, we are still one nation, united. Perhaps he won't try to carry out as extreme policies as he proposed, after all, he cannot make any decision solely on his own. You cannot live in fear of what our country may become; you must continue to live and fight for what you believe is right.

As someone on the outside of both parties looking in, I see an opportunity for collaboration to make way for a new sense of community. America was not built in a day, and it will not crumble in a day. Americans are notoriously resilient. This "melting pot" of a nation is made up of real people with real problems, all of which need to feel safe and secure in their country. Be proactive in making this country greater than it's ever been. That starts with uniting with your fellow Americans.