Last week our country made history by electing the future 45^th President of the United States – Mr. Donald Trump. Even though almost half of the country does not agree with this choice, Trump is in line to be our next President.

To everyone who voted in this election: thank you. Whether I agree with your vote or not, I’m happy you exercised one of the many rights the people of our country fought to give us. Voting is a privilege that so many people around the world do not have. By casting your vote, you are stating your opinions, standing up for what you believe is right and making your voice heard.

Democracy was created as a right to choose our future. Because we are given the right to choose, we won’t always be happy with the outcome – it comes with the territory. We do, however, have to continue to live in the same country as one another. Happily living and working in the same place as people with different views starts with respect and love.

Last Wednesday, I went through the motions of my day as emotions ran high. Many class discussions revolved around the election results as my classmates, professors, friends and I broke down in despair. I could sense the added fear of my LGBTQIA+ friends, minority friends and female friends. We have every right to be fearful of the way Trump has marginalized so many groups, but that doesn’t mean that we have to let the country turn out that way.

It is our duty to make sure our country goes in a positive direction. With respect and love we can happily live side by side with those different than ourselves. I’m not saying that we will all agree, but I am saying that we should all try to be decent human beings.

We can let Donald Trump’s encouragement of hate and violence drag our character down into the dumps for the next four years or we can stand up for the safety and the rights of those around us. This is our choice. If something bad is happening, speak up. Don’t be afraid to stand out in a crowd to protect someone. You would want someone to speak up for you too.

I want everyone to accept the people around them for who they are and recognize the rights of every individual living in this country. I want everyone to respect those different than themselves. I want everyone to make this country a place they want to live in because this is our home and it should be treated as such.