We're starting off 2019 with a record number of women in Congress and several firsts. The first Native American women, the first two Muslim Women, one of which is the first Somali American and the other the first Palestinian American, the youngest and oldest woman freshman in Congress, and the most diverse Congress in history.

A telling image to the change was a picture aired all over the media of the holy books and documents used for swearing in Congress members. In addition to the Bible, there was a Jewish holy book, The Quran, an Eastern Orthodox Bible and the U.S. Constitution, among others.

These record changes followed a midterm election that saw a record number of people participating, especially young people. All this would likely never have been possible had it not been for the election of an unorthodox president. Whether you support President Donald Trump or not, there's no denying that his presidency helped unite people for different causes. Some of Trump's controversial actions got people to come out and protest in record numbers, it also drove people to try to change the political landscape. Trump's win showed that you don't have to be a politician to become a president. This, I believe, gave ordinary people more confidence that they can run for office and win.

Many of the people who voted for Trump were fed up with the political stagnation and were hoping that Trump, being an outsider, could help make changes for the better and rid the government of corrupt officials. When Trump won, defying most polls and pundits' predictions, people realized the power voters have to change things for better or for worse. I think this helped demonstrate the power of democracy and elections, after a decline in voter participation and apathy that afflicted large numbers of Americans.

Helping make these changes possible was a record number of young people who voted in the midterms, according to reports. I think millennials are realizing that the responsibility of changing things for their future, lies in their hands. They're also realizing that they can make an impact and vote for politicians that are representative of them, hence the youngest member of Congress elected.

The belief in the power of democracy and the process is what drove large numbers of people to vote and make history as we saw. They say "need is the mother of invention," I think in politics and society, disappointment is the mother of change. If we're satisfied with what's happening we're more likely to be apathetic and less involved.

For the people despairing that their choice wasn't picked, I would say to them believe in democracy and the power you have to change things. And use it!