I’m a little late in the game when it comes to writing about the election, but I decided to wait until most of the Facebook fuss was over to say the one thing that has resonated with me throughout the election season. I was not a Hillary supporter, and I don’t think I ever truly will be, however, there are a few things that I feel need to be said to her.

The first thing I want to say to Mrs. Clinton is that I’m sorry. I’m sorry that we allowed sexism, racism, xenophobia, and ignorance win. Even though I wasn’t your biggest fan, I knew that those weren’t things that you stood for, which is something I had a great respect for. I feel so much pain in my heart for those who will suffer at the hands of our new President-elect. But, in light of all of this madness, I really want to thank you.

Thank you for giving young girls everywhere the confidence to aspire goals higher than they ever imagined they could. I’m sure that when you were young, or even the same age as me, you never thought in your life that you would have the chance to run for President of the United States. Watching you so gracefully take that stage and make your voice heard and your presence known was more powerful than anything I’ve ever seen. I truly hope that all of the young girls out there learn from you. I hope they learn how to persevere by you, and how to be a leader. I hope they learn how to shield themselves from the hatred and sexism that they will face the way you did, and continue to do. I hope that they will work as hard as you did to reach their goals.

I also want to applaud you on how well you have taken these results. You were a good sport, and you have taken it in stride. Even still, we know you are ready to fight back. We can’t let this country be turned in the wrong direction, and I know you will be standing with us, fighting against it.

You weren’t my first choice, but I did have faith that you would take care of us. For that, I want to thank you for caring, and thank you for trying.