Since the 2016 Presidential Election results were announced on November 8^th (more like November 9^th with how long it took to be official) there has been an influx of opinionated writing online. Whether they were articles of opposition, articles of support, or somewhere in between, all these article must have made some of you may tired of all the controversy. No matter of anyone’s opinion, the outcome of the election cannot be changed. But what can be changed is our outlook.

I stayed up until 2:00 am the morning of November 9^th, and went to sleep knowing exactly what I would wake up to. Even so, I woke up the next morning feeling sick. I felt sad. I felt so many feelings all at the same time. I took a second to swallow the pain in my chest, and then I felt inspired. I thought, “how lucky am I to be a college student at this time in history?”

Some background information: I have been an animate feminist throughout my life, and I am a Hillary Clinton supporter. My first few thoughts when Donald Trump became our president were: “What is going to happen to the funding of Planned Parenthood?” and “Who is going to be appointed to the supreme court?” and “What is the future of Roe v. Wade?” If you’re not acquainted with feminist politics, these concerns probably sound like gibberish to you. However, these are real important issues that jeopardize the rights of women throughout the country.

However, I knew that fighting the outcome of the election wasn’t the answer to my anger. Democracy is democracy, and we must accept the inevitable future of our country. I am not going to degrade our new President. I am not going to reject him. Outright opposition only makes us divided, which history has proven is the worst state for a country to be in. I, for one, feel passionate to voice my concerns and fight for women’s rights peacefully.

With this in mind, I wanted to speak out. I wanted to be heard. It’s the reason I joined the Odyssey. It’s the reason I plan to join feminist activism clubs such as the F word and Planned Parenthood Generation Action atBe Cornell. Who knew that a presidential election could inspire a girl to get involved in her campus community? If all of us college students reacted the same way, I believe we can truly make a difference.

If you’re feeling disheartened, remember that only we are the future of this country. We are the generation of change, and it all starts with your individual movements towards a better tomorrow. If you believe in something, fight for it. Remember to “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Gandhi. You’re only a college student once.