Last Wednesday around 5am, I woke up, looked at my phone to see the News Republic headline "Trump Wins Presidency". I took a deep breath, locked my phone, and began to sob. I want to make one thing crystal clear: I was not sobbing because Clinton lost. In all honesty, I didn't ever want Clinton as our president. I don't think my tears were even because of Trump. My tears were because I could feel my heart sink into my stomach as I thought about all those that would wake up to a whole new world of fear. My heart sunk as I thought about the openly gay guy I used to work with who has inspired me so many countless times. I thought about the girl from my high school who wears her feminism proudly on her sleeve. I thought about the Muslim girl I see on campus, always smiling and wearing a bright and beautiful hijab. I thought about my sister who has Cerebral Palsy. I thought about my past coworker, the lively, happy teddy bear who is proud of his Cape Verde Islands heritage. I thought about my best friend, who is passionate about the environment. I thought about all the illegal immigrants, who found this country as a safe haven from whatever they were running from. And I thought about myself, the passionate Social Worker who wants to help all those in the world that weren't given the opportunities I was. I thought of all this and I cried.
When I say all these things, I want to make sure everyone understands: if you voted for Trump I do not blame you. I understand. You felt his policies were best for this country, and that's fine. I do not think that every person who voted for Trump did so with the intentions of hurting these marginalized groups of people, in fact I believe many of you weren't able to see how it would impact these groups, or you were optimistic enough to think it wouldn't impact these groups. But it does. Even if Trump doesn't limit the rights of LGBTQ+ or "build the wall" or decrease funding toward environmental efforts, the fact that he was elected at all has hurt those people. We elected a man that mocked a disabled reporter and now we have made it okay to bully those different than us. We elected a man that has openly insulted people for their heritage and now we have normalized racism. We elected a man despite his lack of experience over a woman with decades of experience and now our daughters know that no matter what you do and how experienced you are, you are still not as capable as a man. We elected a man that has called for violence towards those who oppose his views and now we think it is okay to live in this echo-chamber and ignore everyone who thinks differently than us. We elected a man who's Vice President has supported conversion therapy and now we have turned homosexuality (and all the other letters) into a disease. We elected a man with multiple rape accusations against him and now women know that no matter what has happened to us, a man's life will go on, even if ours doesn't. We elected this man despite all these things, and maybe it is because we didn't realize the implications of this decision. Maybe it's because we are privileged. If you didn't once feel afraid because of this election, you are privileged. But don't read this and feel attacked, because being privileged is not a bad thing. Privilege turned into this insult and we need to stop feeling attacked when we are told that we are privileged. Instead feel blessed because that means you have the ability to help those that do not share your privilege.
We are the United States of America. We need to stop acting like this is us versus them. It's not. It's us working together to make it all work, because let's be honest, it won't work without us. In order for this to happen, Liberals, we need to stop blaming everyone who voted for Trump. That doesn't mean give up. Fighting for what you believe in is incredible, never give that up. But stop being violent, it is only causing a further divide. Stop fighting Trump and start fighting the systemic racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, ableism and intolerance that put us in this position. And Conservatives, please stop acting like we are children for fighting for what we believe in. We aren't throwing "temper tantrums", we are fighting for those that feel like they can no longer fight; those that feel like their voices have been taken away. If you don't want to help us fight for them, you don't have to but please understand us and please stand by us in solidarity. Now is not the time to divide, now is the time to tolerate each other and stand together to try to fix this mess that this election has become. Now is our time to make sure those marginalized groups understand that they don't have to be afraid anymore, despite what this election may have them feeling. Now is our time, and we cannot give up on each other now.
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1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
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