The results of the 2016 presidential election have brought on what might be perceived as an omen. There is a still of eeriness on campus. The sidewalks are empty, the Brickyard is not filled with its usual chatter and the students hustling along tend to walk in groups. The air is thick with sadness, fear and heartbreaking disappointment.
The social and print media reflect the bewilderment in our conversations. Why would the citizens of the land of the free choose a 70-year-old man who does not believe in the freedom of women, the LGBT community, colored minorities or the fringe religious communities? Why would they want a man with a history of dirty television? This man is a self-claimed successful businessman, despite filing for bankruptcy multiple times. This man believes that climate change is a hoax. This man, who does not understand the immediate and long-term consequences of the use of nuclear weapons on humanity and the planet, now has the world’s most destructive weaponry in his hands.
Why would Americans make such a choice? Do my peers hold similar beliefs? And the biggest question of all: am I unwelcome and unsafe now? The answer to that is a resounding “no.”
There is always hope to be found in moments of darkness. While the minorities were struggling with what the future may hold, NC State went out of its way to offer assurance, warmth, counsel and safety. The support welled up almost immediately, with solidarity being expressed across classrooms, hallways and offices. Tears were met with hugs. Friends chimed in to say that Trump is not their president-elect. They did not hold the hatred spewed by him throughout his campaign.
The protests held in Nash Square in Downtown Raleigh and the student solidarity movement at Wolf Plaza were both bold manifestations of the same support on a larger scale; but even in the face of a public protest, it becomes easy to overlook the vulnerability of every individual out there who is doing their bit to protect the freedom of the minorities. I experienced this on a very personal level.
As soon as the election results were announced, the Office of International Services (OIS) at NC State called all affected students together. The OIS officials, in their personal capacity, created a safe space where questions could be asked and stories shared without fear, and where anger and sadness could be expressed. Even while the five officials stood there answering questions of 50 students about their future and vowing their support again and again, the tears in their own eyes were not missed by anyone. Keeping their raw emotions aside and despite threats to their own personal safety in the past, these brave officials stood strong for the students under their care. For this, they in turn had the support, admiration and thanks of every student there.
The humans of NC State stood up for each other, and my heart was filled with gratitude and optimism because of it.
Although North Carolina wound up being a red state, it is important to note that most voters in the age group of 18-25 voted for the democratic candidate. In fact, this trend was replicated across the United States, with most millennials swinging blue instead of red. If the younger generation had not been outnumbered by their elders, the Wednesday morning rays would have brought with them a more inclusive and inviting world. But even with that, it is now time to accept the results with grace and hope, and to go forward with the knowledge that the future has shown itself to be brighter. With the midterm elections coming up in two years, now is a time more than ever to be politically aware and active.
Let the triumph of Trump be our wake-up call.
