On June 16, 2015, Donald Trump officially began his presidential campaign. Long before, on April 12, 2015, Hillary Clinton began her presidential campaign. These two candidates favored different political parties and eventually became the Republican and Democratic nominees respectively. On the 8^th of November 2016, Donald Trump was officially elected as the next President of the United States of America.

The nomination for candidates this year sparked much controversy among the American population as a whole but also in the Christian community. There was no “clear” choice with Clinton’s email leaking and Trump’s often dubious comments about various subjects. As the campaigns continued, many favored one side over the other, while others struggled to find the nominee they believed best suited the job.

The evidence now shows that Trump was the more popular of the two nominees, but his official election caused many to riot and question the validity of our government. Many celebrities were quite outspoken about their dislike for the new president, as were many others on social media. That isn’t to say that everyone was unhappy with his election. Many were satisfied with his election, and many of those who supported Clinton were accepting, though they did not initially support him.

On a more personal level, Nyack students had various opinions on the election. Just as the campus is diverse, so are the opinions and beliefs within the student body. We have a wide range of political views, some very conservative and others more liberal. As Christians, it was important during this election to realize that Christ is our center and our King. While many did not support Trump in general, most accepted the fact that he was elected. Teachers stressed leading up to the election that no matter what happened, we need to focus on God and His Kingdom rather than the struggles and controversy we face in our everyday lives here. Another important factor at Nyack was loving others, even if their opinions are different from your own. We strive to respect others opinions as well as convey our own in a safe environment.

This election has caused much turmoil in our country. Nyack students and teachers each had different viewpoints and opinions when voting, and each respected for said opinions. Although there were many debates and conversations among the Nyack community, in the end, opinions unlike your own were not ostracized or persecuted.

Americans must strive to accept President Trump even if they disagree with his statements or views. There are many Christians, and others, who are fearful because Trump has been elected. As Isaiah 41:10 (MSG) says, “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.”

“I was kind of upset that he was elected at the beginning. I texted my dad, and I jokingly told him not to come to New York because he had won. He sent me a text message telling me that life goes on and that even though he was elected, God is still king. Presidents always change, and that’s okay -- it’s how things should be. He said he was happy that I was able to vote, and even though Trump won, I got the experience. Trump is a type of president we’ve never had, and it was meant to happen this way.” – Michaella Choi