As we all know, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President on January 20th, and many people around the country had something to say about it. After the election results were announced, many colleges in the U.S. held protests in spite of the president-elect. I was one of those individuals that took part in what has been called the "Anti-Trump Rally" because I wanted to make a statement for myself, and to show my support for my friends and peers who have been affected by this election. Today, the Women's March took place in several major cities across the country to express women's concerns for their rights as Americans. What does all of this mean to us, and why should you care? I don't know about your school, but I know mine is taking steps to support the students who are speaking out for their rights and beliefs.

During the November protest at University of the Pacific, about 200 Pacific students, Delta college (the local community college), high school students, and community members marched together in a rally hosted by Pacific student organizations. This rally was an incredible moment for Pacific, as students finally decided to speak out from what is typically silent campus and let their voices be heard. During the march, there were Stocktonians that gave us inappropriate gestures and said horrible things in response to the Anti-Trump Rally, but students did not let the opposing voices speak louder than their chants. At one point, students stood in front of President Eibeck's office, prompting a response from her. She peeked out of her office and congratulated all that were standing before her, recognizing our freedom of speech. Even more exciting was the moment the local news covered the event to show that Pacific stands with the other university students who protested for the same causes. The news highlighted that it was a peaceful protest due to only positive chants that left out hateful speech.

More recently, on January 20th, Pacific students once again declared their beliefs in another march and sit-in at the De Rosa University Center around noon. The students shouted the same chants used in their November protest. Once again, Pacific students joined with other university students across the country in their protest against the policies set forth by our newly-sworn President Trump. President Eibeck recently sent out a university-wide email to all of the students stating that University of the Pacific will stand by their students, and will provide financial aid in other ways to students who fall under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)-- which gave immigrant students the opportunity to obtain a work permit and attend college-- if the Trump administration were to repeal it. In her email, she stated that the university believes all of their immigrant students should be given equal opportunity to receive an education. She expressed her support with 600 university presidents in signing a petition urging the incoming administration to honor DACA. She also assured students that the university is a safe place for all people, and no one shall be detained by public safety based on immigrant status, nor shall the university condone discrimination of any kind. I'd like to believe many students were comforted by her response to the chaos of our current politics.

This is an important time in American history that will be taught to our children. It is very encouraging to know that our university president stands with the students in their concerns for equal opportunity to all that live in our great nation. While many fear the actions the Trump administration will take, we can stand together, whether you believe in Donald Trump or not. I am happy to know that my university supports my actions and beliefs as a millennial. It will be interesting to see how millennials react in four years' time, knowing that most millennials seem to be speaking out against President Trump and his administration. I urge you to watch CNN or CSPAN for coverage of the appointments so you can be educated about the people who will be creating policies for the years to come that will affect our quality of life. I am proud of my university and my peers for standing up for their rights and beliefs, so don't let your voice die-- be heard and fight for our freedoms. We must acknowledge that many people have been affected by the recent politics. I could not thank the Obama administration enough for the many great things they accomplished. While they weren't perfect, they brought hope to the people.