When election season started, I laughed when I saw Trump’s name on the ballot, and I questioned Hilary’s honesty. “This isn’t going to happen. We will be fine,” I said to myself. This summer, as the conventions progressed, I shook my head as it became clear that these two individuals would be our two options come the fall. This past week, it became real to me. On November 9th, we will all wake up, and either Hilary Clinton or Donald Trump will be next The President of the United States.

It’s easy to say, "This is a joke” or “We’re screwed." It is easy to just throw our hands up at the thought of this election. I have fallen guilty of it numerous times. However, living in the Capitol of this great nation has shut me right up. Lately, I tend to keep my views to myself. Not only because I tend to think differently than those around me, but because I find myself getting lost in the extraneous variables that come hand in hand with this election.

In the midst of everyone arguing about their beliefs, making fun of the two candidates, and putting snapchat filters on Hillary and Donald’s faces, I think we have gotten lost in what is about to happen. This election is not a joke, and this country sure as hell is not a joke. We live in the greatest nation in the history of this world, and we all need to remember that.

Enough with the liberal vs. conservative nonsense. Enough thinking that the government owes you something. This country of ours was founded on patriotism, the love of one’s country, and willingness to sacrifice for it. Willingness to put our differences aside. Willingness to come together, one nation under God, and fight for what is right. This freedom that we have did not come free.

Hell, we still have soldiers on the front line so every single one of us can live and sleep in peace. There are people saying that America is getting ready to fall. But we have been tested many times before, and we have never fallen. We need to have more faith and we need to stop being so afraid of the truth. This is a scary world that we live in, and it is okay to be afraid because this country has your back.

Stop focusing on the bad, and start focusing on the good, rather- the greatness, that America always has and always will offer. Obama once said, "We live in the greatest country in the history of this world." Yes, things have changed since he said this back in 2008, but there are many things that have remained the same. You have been given a chance. You have been given opportunity. You have been taught and pushed to dream the American dream. You live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

America will survive no matter who moves into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this coming year. America will survive because of the 350 million people whose names are not on the ballot and how badly they want America to survive.

So for now, fly your flags. Wear red, white, and blue, with honor. And please continue to be proud to be an American.