President Donald Trump, 45^th president of the United States of America.

Let’s just let this sink in:

He is the first president to be elected without any political or military experience.

He is the first president to be the star of a reality TV show that made him famously known for his constant shouts of “You’re fired!”

He is the first president whose First Lady has a foreign accent.

He is the first president that caused numerous upheavals, riots, and protests across the country following the news of his election.

Clinton supporters are grieving over history not being made on November 8, but history was most certainly made regardless if the new president is not a female.

It’s safe to say that this election has been far from ordinary as Trump’s victory stunned America -- even those who voted for the famed businessman. Polls ranging from individual to state level to nationally all predicted Hillary Clinton’s triumph in the race for the White House. So, how did Trump manage to pull ahead? Some may have even been embarrassed to admit their support for the radical, no-filter talking head that is Donald Trump, but voted for him anyway. Maybe others made the last minute decision to cross their fingers and hold their nose as they checked the box next to the Republican candidate’s name. And maybe even some considered him to be the “lesser of two evils” by deciding to vote for the candidate whose policies and Supreme Court Justice choices were in line with theirs.

No matter how or by what means Trump was able to win the Presidential election, the fact still remains: Donald Trump won and is our 45^th president.

So where do we go from here? How do we respond as a nation?

No matter which side you are on, who you voted for, or whether you could care less, we must follow the example set by the Obamas and Clintons in response to this news.

In his speech following the election results, President Barack Obama urged Americans to root for the successes of Trump’s new endeavor and vowed to seek a smooth transition of power as which was shown to him by former President George W. Bush.

Similarly, Hillary Clinton’s concession speech consisted of congratulations for the president-elect and an urge to her supporters to keep an open mind towards the future leadership of Donald Trump.

Respectfully, professionally, and with great optimism have been the marks of both President Obama and Senator Clinton in how they have handled the news of Trump’s victory. Looking to our leadership for guidance and direction, let us follow the example set by acknowledging the inevitable presidency of Donald Trump with “an open mind” as we “root for his successes”.