Growing up in the state of California, you would expect someone like me to have complete and utter devotion to the Democratic party. However, that is not the case. Until I moved to Kentucky for my senior year of high school, I had been sheltered almost my entire life when it came to politics. It was always, “The Republicans do this!" and, “The Republicans do that!” all said statements being negative. Moving across the country completely opened my eyes to the Republican party, yet, I wasn’t sure they fit my ideals either. Being a minority in the state of Kentucky automatically earned me glares when it came to speaking about politics. I was expected to be liberal in every sense and was treated as lesser by those who did not know, nor asked, about my political stance. I realized that, in this country, I need to pick a side.

I spent the entirety of my senior year analyzing different political parties, frantically trying to find the right fit before I turned eighteen. After months of researching, it was made clear to me that all my morals and ideals do not fit into a specific party. One determining factor was when I read the documents Wikileaks had shared to the internet. At that moment, I knew that my fellow Americans would not trust the Democratic party. I understood that this was a game changer, that many would not vote in favor of a party that blindsided them. Reading how the DNC had rigged the primaries in Hillary Clinton's favor furthered my distaste towards the Democratic party. My moral compass and spirit just did not agree with it. I did not want to be involved in a political party where I could not be outspoken about my personal dislike for abortions. However, I also did not want to be involved in a political party where I could not be outspoken about the rights women possess to their own bodies. As a result, during this passing election, I was one of the many that did not see the eligibility of all the candidates. I was one of the many who did not feel that both the major party candidates represented my morals. I was one of the many that did not vote.

I learned that I do not need to pick a side, nor will I be forced to. On election night, I sat in my common area and watched as the numbers rose for both candidates. As much as I did not want Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump to be my President, I understood that the rest of America would be making that decision for me, and I was just going to have to be okay with that. So, yes, it’s true. I have absolutely no idea where I stand politically. And, at this point in my life, I’m okay with that.