I know what is running through your mind right now, "Great! Another poorly written, uninformed, pissed off, biased, post-election article written by a wannabe writer." Well, some of those things may be true, however, I'd like to consider this a mediocre, not-pissed, unbiased post-election article.

I think that America as a whole may have forgotten the tensions that every election brings forth. The 2016 election was not the first one to develop opposing sides or differing platforms. Although the hype surrounding this election was certainly heightened by the media and the high-profile candidates, it was by no means a new concept to have a tight, intense race between them. Election after election is always a competition and an opportunity for different parties to try their best to make U.S. history. This is nothing new, so stop acting like it's such a surprise that the election was tense and there had to be a victor, that's just the process.

With the realization that we did in fact have a competitive, heated election, both by the candidates and the supporters on both sides, where do we go from here now that it is over? Whether you are pleased with the results or downright outraged, the decision has been made. It cannot be changed, manipulated, or modified. This is what it is, so for the good of our country, please choose to handle it maturely and in an educated manner. You don't have to agree with Trump and what he stands for, but being hateful and violent as a reaction to what you find distasteful and negative about him will not fix anything...ever. The way that you choose to react and move forward from this election is a direct reflection of you as a person, and ultimately, it will be a reflection of our nation as a whole.

Acting in such a way that would portray us as a nation divided will only lead to more division, hate, and even the potential to create a weaker country. If you choose to be upset, offended, mad, or even scared by the outcome of the election, feel free, but the moment that you choose to start acting out in a hateful or aggressive manner towards your fellow Americans, that will begin to dictate our future as a nation. The only things that will bring our country back together after such a monumentally divided election will be education on the politics moving forward, acceptance of differences, love for our country (and each other), and the realization that we will not be able to successfully move forward under new leadership without some peace amongst ourselves.

I encourage you to think differently than your neighbor because everyone has a different perspective and goal, but I would like to discourage you from being closed minded and hateful in the days following the election. If we're going to build a successful America under new leadership, it is going to rely heavily on putting aside the hate, the misunderstandings, and ultimately the lack of acceptance for the decision that the majority of voters have made. It doesn't mean that the minority is wrong in not supporting the decision that was made, but there is a correct way to go about your disagreement and even your potential resentment for the new president. Whichever side you support, please, go about it in a tasteful, educated, and well founded way.