Please excuse this rant.

Are any of you feeling presidential election depression like I am or is that just me? Judging by the number of protests that have broken out in the nation since the Donald Trump became President Elect, I'm not feeling alone in the least. I'm thankful for that. Sure, his victory was a hard pill to swallow in the hours and days right afterwards, but his four year turn as president--I hope--will be this nation's opportunity to come together in the face of adversity and prove to him why United States truly is great. And for that, I am incredibly thankful.

Thanksgiving is right within arms' reach, and I know some students are anxious to face relatives that are heavily divided in this nation's choice for president. It hasn't been unusual for me to hear people say that their mom or dad thought so-and-so would be a better choice for Commander in Chief, but it is unusual that people are bracing themselves for tense dinner conversations over one of the nation's favorite holidays. To that, I say you shouldn't be. You shouldn't prepare yourself for arguments during a time that's supposed to be about togetherness and holiday cheer. Thanksgiving as an institution is controversial enough as it is, and discussing who you thought would be better as president isn't going to make that easier.

The social progress the nation fought for and won during the Obama administration is threatened, sure, but it won't be taken from us without our voice. Trump's presidency isn't the end of democracy as we know it, but it will be a challenging time where all of our voices will be crucial in maintaining the liberties we demand the right to. As Americans, we can still fight, and for that we should all be thankful.

This Thanksgiving season shouldn't be getting into arguments about who could do what better. Instead, we should think about how to reconcile our differences, politically and inside the home, for the sake of a more harmonious future. I'm thankful for optimism, and I'm hopeful that Trump's presidential term will bring out the best in America.

Rant over.