In a time like this, I feel incredibly thankful for the women at my school. The world is full of so much hate and ugliness right now, and yet I am around so many wonderful, encouraging women. We all need to make each other feel important in a country that wants to tell us we aren't.

I don't doubt that within the next four years, I will receive backlash from Trump supporters. However, as I am a white woman, that will be significantly less than many other women in this country. Being a woman is a disadvantage but I can't forget about my whiteness. I have a right to be scared, but my fear can't overshadow that of other women and people of color.

This election was made possible by selfishness. It was determined by people who used their fear and hate to make their decision. People who are blinded by their privilege. I refuse to be as ignorant. Hillary may have lost, but that doesn't mean that my values will change to reflect on the ugliness that Trump may encourage.

I encourage all of my white friends to put themselves aside and focus on the larger issue at hand. Protect the other people in your life: friends of color, friends who are disabled, friends who are part of the LGBT+ community. You may be scared, but understand there is a large degree of safety in being white, and that is a privilege many of our friends don't get to have.

Most importantly, show them that they matter to you. Let them know they're important and you care deeply about them. If they're talking about their feelings or experiences, listen. Stand up for them. Remaining silent helps no one but yourself, and silence is no longer an option.