Dear Mr. Trump and Ms. Clinton,

I know that I am only one voice among millions of Americans who will vote in the 2016 election coming up in a a week or so on November 8th, and that taking one young, inexperienced, undergraduate-level-educated, student voter’s opinion into mind is probably the last thing on your agenda at the moment. However, I am writing this letter to the both of you because I hope that what I have to say is representative of and echoes much of what other Americans want to tell you both right now, too.

This election has been one of the most grotesque, embarrassing, and ridiculous presidential elections in our nation’s history, which dates all the way back to the 18th century. The amount of pettiness, verbal bashing, and false allegations flying between you two (yes, both you Mr. Trump and you, Ms. Clinton) is enough to make me wish this wasn’t the first election I’m legally allowed to vote in. At times, it appears two kindergartners are running for president, not a world-renowned businessman and a secretary of state.To be perfectly frank, you both (with help from the overly-involved and active media) have completely obliterated the beauty and integrity of a the American democratic election. In part, I and the rest of my fellow Americans, have to take some responsibility for you two and your behavior; we are the fools who allowed such candidates into the running.

As much as I hate to say it, one of you will be elected on November eighth. At the end of this election, one of you will be inaugurated and go on to lead our country for the next four years, if not longer, should you be re-elected. Regardless of whether we identify ourselves as a follower of Trump or of Clinton, there are a few things Americans want to ask of you if you should become the next great leader of the beautiful country we call our home.

First of all, we ask you to use your power to build others up, not tear others down. Treating others with respect is hugely important when you are given a position of such authority and prominence. The world is literally watching your every move and listening to your every word; you have to learn how to filter what you are projecting in your daily life.

Secondly, remember the reason for your position. The American people elected you to represent them and act in a way you believe is genuinely the best for the American people as a whole, not just for one social or economic class. We’re not saying you have to be perfect; no one is always perfect. However, we want to know that you are going to fight for what you think is going to help our country thrive. Behind all of the power, fame, and influence you have as president, your first and foremost job is to represent us; don’t forget that.

Next, you need to focus on uniting the country again. Right now, Americans are divided on an infinitely long list of issues, taking stances against one another. What’s wrong with this? A country divided cannot stand… remember? You need to stress the importance of standing with our fellow countrymen, whether we disagree with certain opinions of theirs or not. You need to remind us that it is okay to agree to disagree; the first priority should being devoted to one’s country.

Another important request we have for you is to be honest. Honestly, this should go without saying, but integrity is a rarity among politicians today. At the end of the day, lies will always be discovered and debunked, so being honest and upfront from the very start is best policy. Both of you have struggled with spewing lies through the course of your lives and during this election season; please, we beg of you, do not continue this in your presidency.

Lastly, you need to remember that you will need to rely on others at times. As President of the United States, you are sort of the “top dog” in many ways; that being said, you are not God. There are so many other positions and features of our democracy that have significant influence over our country’s government, and you need to acknowledge this and utilize your resources. At times, it will be significantly more paramount for you to listen rather than speak.

In conclusion, Mr. Trump and Ms. Clinton, I hope that the two candidates Americans have watched throughout this race die with the election results on November eighth. I sincerely hope that whomever is elected makes a dramatic change in behavior once the title of “President” proceeds his or her name. Americans need a President who builds others up and doesn’t tear others down, keeps Americans’ best interest in mind above his or her own personal interest, unifies Americans and establishes a sense of pride, displays integrity, and knows how to be a team player. Americans, whether Republican, Democrat, Independent, or other, need the next President to represent us well -- from what we’ve watched so far during this race, you both need to work on yourselves.