I have spent my entire life spreading positivity and promoting optimism. It is hard to think that positivity still even exists at a time like this. I am fearing for my friends, for my family, for my future. I am fearing for my country. The only positivity here is that we have a chance to protest, that we do not want the world to see us in this light.

I have felt an obvious shift on my campus. Something in the air is different. Every single person I pass wears a dejected face, and I have not seen a single smile. I implore my community to spread the light within them. We need love, not hate. We need laughter. We need one another. Humanity is not dead, you can see that it is most alive. I thanked the amazing woman who rings up my food everyday with a smile and a “Please have a great night”, she replied with “It’s nice to see a smiling face today.” I immediately teared up. I replied with “All we can do is stay positive.” I believe that with every fiber of my being.

It is more important now than ever to make a change, to educate our youth, to stand up for humanity. We are more powerful now than ever, we must believe that we can rise above and use our strength to fight for equality and human decency. Use art to express your hopes and dreams. Unite to spread love.

The country is quite literally split in half. Do not fight with those who bully and spread hate, show them kindness and show them that although they elected this president out of fear, that the world is not as terrible of a place that they believe it to be. Educate them on peace, on human rights.

I refuse to refer to Donald Trump as my president, because he is not representing my country. My country embraces diversity, my country is graced with the respect and courtesy that Barack Obama demonstrated as I grew up. I am an empowered young woman who will have her voice be heard. I will defend the human rights of my friends and everyone I love, and I will fight with every fiber of my being to make sure that this man does not permanently damage the fabric of my society. Most importantly, I will not leave this beautiful country because I believe that it needs to be protected, that we need to create a future that is bright for ourselves and for our children.

Do not be controlled by fear. Show that you are not afraid to stand up to restore faith, humanity and respect. We must refuse to be silent. Our future will be bright and inclusive of all people. We must radiate love and rise above.