It's been such a roller coaster ride of a week due to the 2016 election results. People have been asking when we'll wake up from this "nightmare." I imagine it's been difficult for Donald Trump supporters in the blue states to celebrate openly considering the fact he's more hated than ever (if that's even possible).

Hillary Clinton supporters all throughout America are infuriated, fearful and emotionally damaged because we somehow elected Trump to represent our nation. Other countries are cracking jokes at us or feel extreme sympathy toward us.

Trump has been repeatedly labeled a moron, a racist, a womanizer and a bigot so a reasonable Trump supporter can understand why Clinton supporters are so hurt and angry. On the other hand, many have argued that although Trump is ludicrous, he actually isn't a racist because the media has misconstrued his words.

Many minorities, women and members of the LGBT community are frightened because they believe Trump is going to destroy the progress our country has made regarding immigration, women's rights and LGBT rights.

I am deeply sorry to those who are terrified for themselves, family, friends and/or this country's future. However, I want to reassure you not to allow your emotions to rule you. You can certainly hate Trump because that is your right, but you can always stand against something without spreading hate or violence.

It's understandable why one would think so negatively about Trump and those backing him, but try not to assume all his supporters are racists and bigots because a lot of people—including Democrats—voted for him for reasons that don't correspond to racism. Indeed, many chose to vote for Trump because of his immigration stance, but try looking at it from a totally different perspective: you hear racist remarks, others hear stricter immigration laws that may potentially better our economy.

I'm not suggesting you keep an open mind about Trump's presidency because again, it is our right, unlike many countries, to openly despise our government. However, attempting to view things from another's outlook can help one better understand why people think the way they do.

To be an open racist, for example, is a terrible attribute; yet, many forget that some are conditioned to think like one. To some it's common sense that being a racist is wrong, to others it's a natural order. I'll never forget what one of my professors told our class this past week, "People ultimately support what they believe is morally right." What you consider immoral another may consider perfectly natural. I'm not defending racism, sexism or bigotry, but we live in a world that has tons of conflicting outlooks that sometimes we have no choice but to accept.

We can attempt to educate those we deem ignorant, but if a person remains close minded so be it. Even though many Trump supporters have made it clear they want minorities out, why retaliate with more hatred and brutality? There is no excuse for resorting to violence.

Our nation has been torn between the lesser of two evils as some like to put it. Whether you're a Trump or Clinton supporter, there is no need for all the detrimental words and hate crimes that have been circulating against both sides.

It's sad we live in a time where people fear to speak out about who they politically support. People used to have intellectual debates on politics whereas now we are potentially subjected to cyber attacks, physical altercations, shootings and/or riots.

Don't spew hate, rise above it no matter how difficult.

I'd like to quickly shift gears to a couple positive outcomes of this election for those who aren't aware:

Kate Brown was elected the first openly LGBT governor in U.S. history

Ilhan Omar was elected the first Somali-American legislator in U.S. history

Catherine Cortez Masto was the first Latina to be elected to the U.S. Senate