It's been a few days since our country elected a new president. A new leader of the free world. A new person who will decide where our country will go in the future.

For a few days I was distraught and lost. I didn't know how to face those who voted for Donald Trump. I didn't know how to accept family members and friends who disregarded his hateful rhetoric. That is something I am still struggling with. However, my anger and sadness has fueled a fire in me. I will never spew hatred or contempt. I will simply use my voice to fuel fires in the people around me and try to explain to those who disagree with me why I feel the need to do this.

But here is why: I am tired of reading racist comments on every single form of social media. For example, "Barack will be inviting the thugs to the White House to thank them." Why, in the 21st century, does anyone think it is okay to call anyone a thug? Let's leave that distasteful and disgusting comment at that. I am tired of people rationalizing illegal immigration by saying "what's acceptable in other countries isn't acceptable here. That is why there is no law and order lately. There is a citizen process for a reason. It's not racist, its not cruel, it's the law." Actually, it is cruel. Many of these people you are referring to are fleeing their countries due to violence. Many are negatively profiled by people like you. Do not generalize non-Americans, it is racist and selfishly nationalistic.

I feel such an intense need to explain my concern for my country and not because I dislike Donald Trump, but because so many people in my life can be negatively affected by him and that is not something you can all look past! That is something I will do everything in my power to not let happen. And those of you who think I am melodramatic and naive can kindly step out of my way.

I have always felt inclined to help others before myself, and now is my chance to do just that. For a while, here abroad, I was unsure of who I was or where I wanted to go in life. I was having a major identity crisis. However, thanks to this election and all of you Trump supporters I can now see clearly. You may think your racist and mysogynistic comments will shut me up, but they will do just the opposite. And a smile is on my face while I write this because the more I think about it the brighter my flame becomes.

So today I am saying thank you to the republicans "sticking with their party", to the people who want to build walls instead of bridges, to my family who probably will never understand me, to those of you who thank Trump for "saying it like it is", and to my privileged friends who fail to see other perspectives.

And today I acknowledge that I am the product of an immigrant family and for my friends (and family) who continue to disregard this please also step out of my way.

When this glass ceiling shatters and all of our marginalized feel welcome I will feel like I made a difference for using my voice and never backing down. I encourage all of you to do the same because this is not a time to be a follower, it is a time to keep your head held high and fight for what you believe in.