On Friday January 20, 2017 this nation that I have called home changed. No matter what side you are on during the recent election, we can all agree that it was ugly. During the election, we saw two candidates try to beat each other up with words, we saw two people who “truly care about this Nation” try to win our vote by using violence and by blaming the other. I don't know about you, but that's not how or what the United States is about.

I grew up in a time where people greeted others, no matter their skin color. I grew up in a time where people based judgements on your personality and your actions, not the depths of your pockets. I grew up in a time where I was taught that I could do anything that I set my mind to. I grew up knowing that everyone, and I mean everyone, has value. Everyone human is worthy of being treated like one. It does not matter your race, religion, sexual orientation, or even what you decide to do with your own body. EVERYONE deserves to be respected and loved.

On January 20, 2017 this nation saw the inauguration of the first president that has no political background, and no matter what you feel about him he is still our president. Time will tell if he will do the things he promised, but regardless of who is in office MY views and MY life will NOT change.

I will still greet people with a smile and a hug. I will still believe that good is in everyone. I will continue to prove that everyone has value. I will show my future classroom full of kids, that they are worthy of love, respect, and that they can and will do anything they set their mind too. It is my hope and prayer, that no matter what happens in these next four years, and no matter what side you are on...that you remember that only light can fight darkness, and only peaceful protesting will do good. If you are one of my friends who fall into one of those minorities who are being targeted, please know that I am not here to judge. I am here to love, support, and care for you. It is not my job to do anything but that.

Even though our future is unknown, I still believe that good can and will prevail. Please do not give up hope, do not give up on yourself. You are loved. You are worthy.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.