As a Millennial, a "Generation Like," a child of the 90's, what have you, I have been through some incredible political drama. I remember 9/11 too vividly for being five years old. I remember when I first realized how truly terrible the wars with Iraq and Afghanistan were. I remember being hidden from the anti-black riots and the KKK meetings when, at the time, Senator Barrack Obama was running for president. I also remembering hearing the crushing cruelty people correlated with Senator Hilary Clinton when she ran for president the first time.

I remember thinking that our nation is futile. I remember realizing the devastating truth in this fact. I remember not caring who was Republican and who was a Democrat or what the difference between them was. I remember realizing that there hasn't been a day when the United States wasn't in a war within my lifetime. I remember realizing I would be voting for the 2016 presidential election.

I remember first hearing of Donald Trump - a man who started a university, who owned hundreds of buildings and corporations, who appeared in Home Alone 2, and of watching John Oliver's video of absurdity with this man. I remember hearing of the candidates who don't want women in power and who are racist. I remember the first time I heard of Bernie Sanders - I was on Facebook. Then I moved to Burlington, Vermont, discovered everything he stood for, and realized his age and absolute kindness. I remember first hearing that 'women who don't vote for Hilary cannot say they're feminists.' I remember first hearing Massachusetts's Republican Governor, Charlie Baker, say he won't vote for Trump. I remember hearing how scary this entire election process truly is.

I remember being scared of living in my own country.

As a 19 year-old college student whose first time voting was on Super Tuesday, I am in absolute disbelief. Politics, you are incredible. Not in the best sense you would imagine, rather, in a sense where you, truly, need to get your act together.

Growing up, I was taught the ways of the American government, hell, I'm considering minoring in political science. But, you folks who are currently running to be my future leader, I don't know if I wish for any of you to take that oath in 2017.

Republican? Democrat? Socialist? Who cares. You care for this nation? You care for its people? You wish to help the world and our species? Perfect. Then start acting like it.

This past week, both Chris Rock and Leonardo DiCaprio chose to take a few minutes of absolute fame and stardom (with basically the entire country watching) and speak about matters of the current world - matters that matter. It took two people to stand up, be respectful, be modest, and be selfless to make a point. Is that point made? Not entirely, but they started something. Again.

Again? Oh, you already know about the points being asked in this time of revolution? You know your answers and stances? Obviously not if nothing has changed.

The KKK still exists even though blacks were deemed 'equal citizens' with the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Then why was this Washington Post article written? Why are there still murders happening? Why are black people scared for their lives?

If women were first allowed to vote 1920 because of the 19th Amendment, then why are women just now being considered for the Navy Seals? Why are women still fighting for respect? Why was a woman humiliated on national television during a presidential debate?

Why must I be writing my frustration to politics via an online student-run newspaper? Shouldn't these questions already be answered? Shouldn't me, being the 19 year-old I am, be happy and unperturbed? Shouldn't my biggest fear be passing the six exams I have for midterms next week rather than being curious of whether I will be living happily and safely come this time 365 days from now?

You would think, wouldn't you?

To the politicians of today...

Do you remember when you first started your degrees? When you were in my very footsteps? Remember how excited and ambitious you were? What with your own views, probably decent grades, true friends, and simple happiness?

Now look at you - you are doing everything you can to get your way. I bet, I promise, each one of you pulled an all-nighter, at least once in college, because you got caught up being busy with friends, family, and helping others that you skipped out on your homework/studying until the last minute. Do you remember those days? I do, because I'm in them right now.

I know it might seem like a different time, but don't you remember a time without war? Without absolute, undying fear everywhere you went?

I know you remember the moment you fell in love with political science and decided to continue in its path. I know you remember the time when you first loved and cared for what you were doing, and planning on doing, with your life. I know you remember a time when you were determined to help as many people as you possibly could.

And I know you have had a moment where you realized the road you're on now. And I know you have questioned your actions or signing your signature on a document or sending an innocent individual to feel incredible pain and suffering. And I know you have committed to things you are not proud of. And I know that you have lied.

So why? Why continue with all of it? Why continue causing harm, discrepancy, confusion, and fear for everyone you're trying to help? When will we be honest, naive, and communicable again? When will my own government be trustworthy, manageable, and fulfilling?

Politicians, if you understand one thing, any single one thing in this next year, understand that us, the people of the United States of America, are trying to understand your motives, but we, the people, can't.

So, please, help us.

You have already surpassed your original ideologies, dreams, goals, ambitions, etc. Now, please, help us reach ours.

Sincerely,

A 19 year-old college girl scared she voted for the wrong candidate.