Trump... Clinton. Which will it be? Up until the election that took place on Tuesday, November 8th, no one knew what to expect. Some Americans sat with dazzling anticipation burning in their eyes, while others looked away with tired and fearful eyes. As the results came in, some were thrilled. Others, however, were not so happy. Either way, I couldn't be more disappointed with how we as a nation have reacted. Therefore, I'm writing a letter. A letter for all Americans to see, whether they agree with me or not is up to them, but I cannot hold my tongue any longer.

Dear America,

When are we going to grow up? When are we going to learn to accept change and find a sense of hope that we've been missing for so long? With the election of Donald Trump as our new president, I've seen some pretty sickening behavior. I realize that people are upset, but burning the American flag? Where is the justice in that? How will that change anything? All you're doing is disrespecting our country. You're disrespecting the men and women that serve this country and risk their lives everyday. So please, tell me. What is the point of burning our past? Something that made us who we are today?

To the women who did not vote... Why? Years ago, our women did not have the opportunity to vote, and now that we do, you're just going to pass that up? What ever happened to empowering women and the equality you want so badly? By not voting, you're denying the change that you're demanding from everyone else. You're the problem, not the other people in the world that you blame. Take responsibility for your own life and start making the changes you wish to see. I am so disappointed in our women who have not voted simply because they didn't care or because they didn't like either of the candidates.

To the college students who have been rioting... I understand that the results were not what you wanted. I understand that some of you may be afraid. But the rioting, once again, will change nothing. The nation chose Donald Trump. That's how it's going to be. Sometimes we can't change certain things in life, no matter how badly we want to. I know that first hand. So please, for your safety and for the safety of others, please be careful and consider having faith. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have asked all of us to have an open mind, and to give Trump a chance. If you love them as much as you say you do, then you'll take their advice. I ask that much of you, to find that flicker of hope that will always shine no matter how dark the world may seem.

To the Americans who did not vote... Stop complaining. You did not vote, therefore you did not contribute to the results of the election, and you have no right to complain about who won and who did not. It was your decision not to vote, so don't tell me how to vote or that me voting didn't make a difference. If "we're screwed either way," then why do you have the right to judge me for who I voted for? That was my decision. I voted for who I believed would lead the country better, not for someone who I liked better than the other person.

To those who may be upset with my voting decision... Just because I may have voted one way and not the other does not mean that I don't support you. I 100% from the bottom of my heart wish true happiness upon everyone. I wish that everyone could feel safe, all day, every day. But prejudice and fear don't always allow us to feel safe, and sometimes, I think that's just how life works. So please, just know that my vote doesn't mean that I don't care about you or support you, because I do.

To all Americans... I pray that we as a nation can find the hope we've lost. All I ask of you is to be open minded. To have faith in change, one of the fiercest elements of life that will never stop existing.

Sincerely,

An American girl, who is just as afraid as you.