So it’s been a few weeks since the most intriguing and unprecedented election of the modern era unfolded before our oblivious eyes, and what a week it has been. While half of America resides in some great turmoil and anger (ex. Anti-Trump protests and riots), the other half could not be any more elated or relieved by the outcome (ex. Forsyth County residents). I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that we are scared. It doesn’t matter if it is an overwhelmingly strong fear or an iota of that very despair, but this nation is still not at ease with what’s going on politically, nor ever will be.

There’s something to know, though. While some believe this to be a sign that our country is dying or deteriorating, America is still very much alive, and this election displayed this thoroughly. Democracy is still at work, still compromising through all of the controversial, unfathomable, or uncomfortable issues. No matter what election, half of the nation will always be upset by the results.

Despite this, there is one thing that is the same for everybody no matter what party is affiliated: we’re still Americans.

I wanted to remind everyone with what the media isn’t telling you: we’re going to be okay. America is strong. Hasn’t this country been through this much to get us to where we are today? No matter if the president is Trump or Clinton or even Johnson, at the end of the day, we will always embody the quintessential definition of strength. Instead of violently rioting, vandalizing or discriminating, we need to remember who we are and what kind of nation we live in. We need to be praying for our country instead of cursing it. We need to remind ourselves that love, respect and an open mind, no matter how cliché or overused they may be, is the only way we can be unified. Hillary Clinton exhibited this very concept with class during her concession speech by stating, “We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America, and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power, and we don’t just respect that, we cherish it.”

It’s going to be difficult to go forward with the uncertainty of the future, the appalling nature of Donald Trump and the hatred that is dividing this land, and it’s going to be difficult realizing that this will continue to be a reality for the next four years. However, it will always be hard to step into the unknown, no matter who is president. Don’t let this election, no matter which side you support, stop you from fighting for what is right. Our country is a country that allows chances to be taken and voices to be heard. The fight for our beliefs, rights and freedom will never end and being true Americans will never end. We are going to be okay.