On the 9th November, at around 2 o'clock in the morning, protests erupted across the United States. Do not take these as small tantrums (like the lynching of an Obama effigy after 2012). These people are in fear for their lives. One of them was out protesting with us but was hit by a car. That was my suitemate's girlfriend. She's hospitalised right now, but she's definitely stable. Here's the GoFundMe.
"Mariana is freshman DACA student studying Philosophy at UCSD. She has always been very politically conscious and an advocate for civil rights, including participating in a research project to help her fellow high school students from Compton to improve their school conditions. Being a DACA student means that, as an undocumented student, she was granted a renewable 2-year work permit and stay from deportation. This policy enables Mariana to pursue higher education and go to university. Due to her work ethic and academic success, Mariana was accepted to UCSD and awarded scholarships to help cover the cost of attendance. The change in presidency jeopardizes the policy that has not only helped her but countless other undocumented students. After the presidential election, Mariana joined her fellow students and began marching and protesting against the outcome and was severely injured by a driver during the protest. She was admitted to the hospital with a broken leg and fractures in her pelvis. Her condition is stable but the injuries she sustained are serious and require extensive medical attention. She is currently hospitalized and will require surgery as well as physical therapy. All proceeds will go towards those purposes to ensure her recovery in order for her to resume her academic career. "
To all protestors, don't stop. You are exercising your first amendment rights, but do not do anything violent or reckless. To all critics, also don't stop. It's your right to do so as well, but before writing them off, try to understand exactly why they're upset. To those of you who voted for Trump, I don't necessarily agree with you, but I will respect your choice. To those of you currently fearing for your lives, I'm there with you, but we can't let our president stop us from doing what we have to. And lastly, to Mariana, from the bottom of my heart, I hope you feel better soon and can get back to normal student life once again.
