There is no question that this has been one of, if not the most, controversial elections in United States history. To see how divided our country really is, is truly crazy and unbelievable. I think it’s safe to say that this election has, in some way, brought out the worst in us overall. And I think it is important to say that no matter what political party you are, no matter who you voted for, we can’t let it tear this country apart.

Although many people believe that Donald Trump does not represent them, it is important to give a chance because we no longer have a choice and we need to all come together. WE are what makes this country what it is, not the president. We as a united people can make this country what we want. At the end of the day, we are the people who can create the most change and we are the people who shape our communities, values, and morals. It’s up to us.

For the LGBTQ, minority, and women populations in America, we cannot let oppression of our rights be taken away. Millions of Hispanics, blacks, Muslims, immigrants and LGBTQ people are fearing for their lives right now and being severely discriminated against and that is not what America should be about and it has been something we have tried so hard to make right in this country over the years. Our soon to be president of the United States in many ways may portray the absolute wrong values one should as president, and many of us are strongly affected by these factors, but we can’t let it destroy or define our country, no matter what you believe.

We can’t let the outcome of this election lead to more and more discrimination in our world. Although this election has definitely made us see the division in our country, we must not let it divide us. Treating people as inferior is not the way to go about this.

Something we need to focus on is our commonalities rather than our differences. This has the power to bring us together. We cannot resort to hate and discrimination in this difficult time. For those who feel like they “lost” in this election, let this force you to work harder and maybe in a different way to educate others about the change you are looking for. Fighting for what’s right is worth it even if you might lose sometimes.

No matter what party you are affiliated with, how you feel about the election, or what you believe, we need to all agree that we need to build on the new rather than focus on the old. There has been too much fear and hate that has been resurfaced stronger than ever before, on both sides of this apparent never-ending debate.

It is important to not go about this in violent or destructive ways. Instead, address the people of all this hate by using love. For those feeling like they’re being discriminated against; keep fighting for what you believe in and do it in ways that involve love rather than hate. This country and this world need more love and there is no better time or place to show it that right here, right now, in America. Work to show the love that you want this country to represent. Together we can make a change. And this change can start with just one person.