There are certain times in history that test us as we go through life. The world is a diverse place that offers a myriad of challenges and certain events can change the course of our lives. These occasions can change us for the better, making us revel in the joys of life. Other events can invoke irrevocable damage to your environment, forcing you to adapt to horrendous circumstances. Life has so much to experience, and what we deal with can impact our view of the world in so many ways. Some situations can change us immeasurably, and one event that changed me was the results of the 2016 presidential election.

When I found out that Donald Trump was going to be the next president of the United States, I was stunned. Previously, I was surrounded by a community of intelligent, politically aware people that clearly wanted their voice to be heard. The election inspired people to get out there and vote, and I thought that America was going to improve. I felt exhilaration from the election, but finding out that Trump won shattered that excitement. Looking at the results of the election told me that the America that I knew was gone, and I couldn't believe what was presented to me.

Gloom found a way to infiltrate The College of New Jersey as well. As I went through a typical day of being a college student, I had to deal with a mood that was less than cheerful: dreary skies combined with rain to create a dismal atmosphere that was devoid of color and everything about the college was streaked with misery. I felt myself carrying a crushing weight on that day as I realized what was in store for me for the next four years. The idealism and opportunities that are found in The College of New Jersey were sucked away and every action was consumed by an aura of disbelief.

Fear was also invited into my life because of Trump being the next president. I find it disheartening that we let a symbol of pure ignorance become the face of America, and Trump will encourage a decline in the quality of our country. Being a young black man with autism gives me even more doubt about the future, as I realize the gravity of my position in America. Not only is racism a big threat to me, but I am concerned for my family and friends. My peers could face persecution if they are seen as unusual in any way, and prejudice has a legitimate chance of infecting the way that our country is organized. Trump's incoming presidency implies that horrible times will come to America in the future and I cannot help but worry about the difficulties that lie ahead of us.

Overall, Donald Trump winning the election was a shameful event in American history. It truly surprised me that Trump will lead us now, especially with the vigor that I saw previously. Whatever happiness that I had before was destroyed by the results of the election and agony hung over the community at The College of New Jersey. I have to fear for the lives of myself and others around me and America has turned into a place that's dangerous for everyone. I feel that America is in for uncertainty as Trump carries out his presidency and I can only hope that we can find a way out of this anguish.