After the 2016 presidential election I noticed just how many people were genuinely affected by the outcome of this election. I realized that the words Donald Trump said had stuck with many and they were now fearful, shameful and over all in disbelief. They now had to call this man their president. Now I am not hating on Donald Trump, as I still pray that he will do what is best for this country and the hate was just for show. But, as a Hispanic woman I understand the concern of immigrants, women, LGBT+, Muslims, African Americans and all those who were personally affected by this. After the results I felt sorry for those shown coming to tears and for the endless people posting on social media about the fear and despair they were feeling, but then I stopped myself. We should not feel sorry for ourselves or others, we should not fear our president, or feel unsafe in our country because just like it is his, it is also ours. We are all great individuals and we have things that those who are spreading hate don't and may never have. We have motivation, we have support, we have ambition, and we have hope. Do not be ashamed of who you are in this time of criticism and hate, stand up proud and support each other. I for one am very proud to put "bilingual" on my resume. I am proud of my heritage. I am proud of my immigrant parents that came here for a better life. We should ALL be proud of who we are despite the hate. The results of this elections shouldn't bring you down or make you live in fear they should motivate you. I'm calling on my generation to educate the ignorant, spread good where hate is dominating, and fight for what we believe in. The election may have not turned out as you wanted but you still live in a country where your voice can be heard, we still have our freedom of speech. This is still our country even if there is people wanting us to leave.

My parents came to the United States for a better life not only for them but for me. The women of our past fought for women's right to vote. Our ancestors fought for human rights and to abolish slavery. Our founding fathers founded this country and gave us American rights. We are all American and we have those rights. So no matter what hateful things are said, I no longer care or pity myself or others. This country is not going to come to an end over an election, we are still progressing. Just remember, we have had an African American president, we got to vote for a woman as president, and more and more sates are allowing same sex marriage. I am not here to bash on the new president, or complain, or show fear, I am here to motivate you all. Let your voice be heard and spread peace and love in our country and around the world. If Donald Trump wants to make America great again, then we will show him it is already great and is only getting better. We will help our new presidents and all those after him to make America better. We are Americans and we live in the greatest country.