I was born into Bill Clinton's administration. I lived eight years throughout George Bush's administration. I lived through 9/11, gay marriage, trans rights, the turn of the century, three Red Sox World Series wins, the first African American President, the first Female National Democratic Nominee for President, the Boston Bombing, the Black Lives Matter Movement and a generation based on technological communication.

I grew up in liberal Massachusetts, with gay and lesbian best friends and a hope for the future. I cherished Barack Obama, looked up to Michelle, and thought we were moving toward a more inclusive world. A world in which a woman could become president. A world in which everyone could love who they love and not be ashamed of it. A world in which immigrants who came to our country with hope in their heart could live long, successful lives as American citizens. A world in which someone did not have to be ashamed for the color on their skin. However, all of that changed on November 8, 2016.

Throughout the 2016 Presidential Election, I thought it was clear. I grew up in Massachusetts. I didn't know people in our country actually thought this way. When Donald Trump announced he was running for president, I remember I was sitting in my AP Government and Politics class. I laughed. I thought it was a joke, a scam or a ploy for money and attention. It has become clear that it was not. Two years later, I sit in my dorm room and watch the results in utter shock. It had to be a dream. How? How could a campaign rooted in fear, racism, bigotry, hate and sexism come so far? Our country, which was rooted in democracy would now be GOP run in all three branches. Our founding fathers believed that checks and balances were essential to preserve the country's values. Where are they now?

Our country is more divided than I had ever imagined. Half of the United States wants the country to go forward and the other half wants the country to move back 50 years. I don't care how you feel about Hillary Clinton. I really don't. I'm done trying to calm myself and remain bipartisan because it's clear that people need a reality check. Donald Trump winning is a clear indication that our country is in shambles. We went from inaugurating our first black President to inaugurating a president endorsed by the KKK. All former alive American Presidents, democrat or republican, do not see him fit as President. This is a man that is going on trial for raping a 13 year old. This is a man that called Mexicans "rapists," women "pigs," and believes that sexual assault is just "locker room talk." This is a man who says he wants to overturn the results of Roe vs. Wade, mocks someone with disabilities, calls John McCain "weak" for being a POW and supports nuclear weapons. Sadly, the list does not end there.

And he won.

Being a history geek, I grew up listening to stories of revolutions. They are tales of rising up together to create a better, more peaceful world. I grew up watching Martin Luther King Jr.'s career; in awe of his grace and compassion. I watched countless documentaries of the sit-ins and the Freedom March and the Civil Rights Movement. I remember learning about the Civil War, and how Abraham Lincoln eased a country in despair. I've listened to hours upon hours of Lin Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, invested in the stories of our Founding Fathers. However, the story of Donald Trump is not a tale yet. It is unfortunately our reality. We need to join our heroes and start something that we will tell our kids someday. We can finally become the people we have learned about our whole lives. This can be our generation's legacy.

I am a proud American. I've voted in every election I could possibly could. Today, on November 8, 2016, I do not stand by my country's decision. Donald Trump does not represent me as an individual, and he also does not represent half of the country. At the end of the day, we are Americans, and our voices should be heard.

"And to the young people in particular, I hope you will hear this. I have, as Tim said, spent my entire adult life fighting for what I believe in. I’ve had successes and I’ve had setbacks. Sometimes, really painful ones. Many of you are at the beginning of your professional public and political careers. You will have successes and setbacks, too. This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it." - Hillary Clinton, November 9, 2016