This is a tumultuous time that we are currently going through. For the majority, as proven by the popular vote count in the recent election, the new president is someone that they never wanted to see in office. President Trump is someone that embodies the deepest fears (xenophobia, Islamophobia, homophobia, or racism) that some people have. President Obama and the Obama administration to some embodies radical liberalism that led the country astray.

Over the past eight years, our country has made significant improvements in the fields of civil and human rights for all of its constituents. The passage of the Affordable Care Act, which admittedly has its faults, is the first step in ensuring that all Americans have access to some sort of healthcare and are covered for basic medical necessities. The repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act gave all American citizens the right to enjoy the privileges of marriage, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Both of these events are the beginning of ensuring that America is truly the home of the free, enabling any inhabitant of the country to enjoy the freedoms afforded to them.

Regardless of your personal stance on former President Obama, you must be accepting of individuals who have differing opinions than you. For those of you who celebrate the election of President Trump, you must be patient with those who are afraid of the grand plans that he has for restoring our country to his image of greatness. To those who do not fit into his image of homologous white perfection and assimilated minorities, this new leader strikes fear into their hearts. A country filled with immigrants and minorities is now being led by an individual who categorizes them into stereotypical groups based on negative attributes.

For those of you who faced the election of President Trump with despair and possibly tears, remember that the country is not run by one man alone. The presidency is simply the head of one branch of government. There are two other branches of government that assist in the running of the country. While President Trump will have some executive powers, the legislative and judicial branches will ensure that the legislation being passed is not extremely conservative.

This is the time to trust in your local elected officials and remain active in the political scene. Our country has become a remarkable place built on strong individuals who protest and form groups based on common interests or issues. Marching, protesting, and lobbying helps to keep the government informed of the opinions of the masses. If you adopt the attitude of giving up when someone that you do not like gets elected, you will never be able to see change. Stand up for your beliefs and communicate with your local officials and interest groups in order to have your voice and opinion be heard.

Although this time is viewed as dark to many people, this will not be the end of democracy as we know it.

Remember that in each previous election cycle, there has always been a winner and a loser. Each time, the losing party panics and feels as though the future is grim. However, we, as the people, determine the future and health of this country. Fight for the issues that you are passionate about and ensure that your voice is heard in this country.