Election Day. A day in America full of hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. As a 16 year old, I faced my first election that I personally cared about the victor, rather than just repeating what my parents had told me. I was excited because I was educated and I was clear on my positions. I truly believed the more qualified candidate would win, but unfortunately, like most of America, I was mistaken.

Although, I really do believe Hillary Clinton should have won based on experience alone, that is not what I am most devastated about. I am devastated that a man, who has personally offended every minority, still found a way to win. Our country is so deep rooted in hate, that we voted for such a negative and hurtful man to lead us. I am devastated for the young boys who will look up to our president and think it is okay to talk to people like they are worthless because they are different. I am devastated for the young girls who will look up to our president and who will now think they are supposed to be treated lesser based on their gender. I am devastated for the people of color who feel as though all the progress that has been made for them, has been wasted. I am devastated for the lgbtq+ community who now no longer feels safe to be who they are. I am devastated for the muslims who are are going to continue to get scrutinized based on their religion alone. I am devastated for the immigrants who thought America was safe, and welcoming. I am devastated that our country would rather have a man that preaches hate be our president, than a women.

That being said, I cannot accept Donald Trump to be our president. I know it is reality and it is happening whether I want it to or not, but I cannot simply come to terms with this. I am worried about the future and I am worried about every group of people that is not the white straight male. I wish we could have a president that not only tolerates differences, but encourages them. I wish we could have a president that is respectful of everyone, but sadly that will not be the case for the next 4 years. I consider myself a democrat. Yet, I refuse to accept Donald Trump as my president not because he is a republican, but because everything he stands for goes beyond his political party. His values are un-american and he should not be the person who is representing our country.