1400 days... 208 weeks... 35,000 hours... I can keep going if you haven't caught what I'm doing here. All of these, no matter how you put it, measure up to four years that I'm not particularly ecstatic about.

Maybe it's my fault for not mentally or emotionally preparing myself for the possibility that Donald Trump could actually win. Maybe it's the fact that I've taken the past eight years under the Obama administration for granted. Maybe it's my realization that we've taken 10 steps in a direction that I believe is wrong. Or maybe it's the fact that I believe we literally asked Stevie Wonder to drive for the next four years which even he strongly suggested was a bad idea.

I woke up the next day terrified. I struggled to fall asleep and I am still trying to make sense of what just happened and to be completely honest I am emotionally drained. I felt as if I didn't matter and I am sure I'm not the only one. I'm still trying to understand this piece of history that I will have to explain to my kids one day. A piece that many of my teacher friends tried to explain to their kids this week without personal bias. A piece that is explained in the best way possible to kids who don't realize that what ever happens in the next four years will impact them for the rest of their lives. Don't get me wrong, I fully believe in the process. I understand that people exercised their right to vote and voted for a man that has no political/military experience, has the ability to insult almost any group you identify with, and brags about his net worth and business skills as if they have any relevance to being the 45th president. I get it...Americans wanted a change.

But is he the answer?

While no political candidate is perfect, I thought it was quite obvious that he was unfit. With over 15,000 votes going to Harambe & Hennessy, a projected three million going to Gary Johnson, and with Trump leading in three of the four states still left in question to get either candidate to 270, I had passed the stage of worry. I in no way blame these people who decided to vote for a third party, alcoholic beverage, or dead gorilla. I understand that between the two candidates you would've preferred neither but I'm sure it is now obvious that none of those options stood a chance.

I find it easy to be numb, disgusted, and sad, but most of all angry. Angry that people felt it was okay not to vote. Angry that things are about to change drastically over the next four years now that the Senate, House, and White House have been taken by Republicans. Angry that even though Secretary Clinton won by popular vote Trump still took the presidency. My list could go on for days but I'll spare you.

In 1998, Donald Trump was honest like he's always been and bashed the Republican party, stating in an interview with People Magazine: "If I were to run, I'd run as Republican. They're the dumbest group of voters in the country. They believe anything on Fox News. I could lie and they'd still eat it up. I bet my numbers would be terrific." He proved his ability to influence others and in result it has created larger issues. His victory was a political upset I wanted to believe was impossible. Through this win problems that were already problems have become bigger than they already were. For example, Wednesday morning I received a call from my dad asking if I was "okay." I was traveling to Greensboro and he said he had gotten many calls about a supposed KKK rally in Mebane.

Solid reason for him to be concerned with my safety...right?

While later discovered that the march or rally was false and just a grainy photo of American, Gadsden, and Christian flags being carried on the bridge that were mistaken as robes, my dad had every reason to be concerned. Especially given that two days post-election, buildings have been vandalized with statements like "Black lives don't matter and neither does your vote," and "Make American White Again."

Trump and his win confirmed many things for me. He confirmed that hatred in America outweighs common sense. He confirmed that racism is very much alive and well. He confirmed that misogyny is going nowhere. He confirmed that a woman president after an African- American president was just too much for America to handle. He capitalized on the fact that people with little education were guaranteed to follow him. Above all, he confirmed that I overestimated the decency of so many of the people I interact with on a daily basis.

Yet among it all I still find that I am hopeful. This is a time where I believe our people will rise above the disappointment, will stand together in solidarity, and will somehow make it through the next four years. It's about so much more than Trump. Do I like the man? Not at all, but that has nothing to do with what I believe this country is capable of. We live in a democracy and we must roll with the punches. So here is my advice for you: if you're upset with the results of this election, take the negative and turn it into a positive. Chose love over hate. Keep your faith and make efforts to lift yourself and those around you up. Educate our youth. Attempt to treat the problems not just the symptoms of them. Support that friend who is struggling right now. But most of all, continue to fight. It's not over -- the journey is just beginning.