Following the results of the 2016 presidential election last week, in which Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, many turned to social media or protests in response. At Emporia State, however, students found hope for the future after having time to reflect.
“I want him (Trump) to succeed as a president for the sake of this country,” said Nikki Rice, freshman elementary education major. “Yes, I am afraid because we have made so much progress for women, [people of color], the LGBT community, etc, but even if I do disagree with so many things that he has said or done all I can do is have hope.”
Initially, many students were surprised when Donald Trump was announced as president-elect.
“I was in complete shock,” Rice said. “I did not think he had a chance at winning…It really upset me and it made me feel like my vote didn’t matter because Hillary won the popular vote.”
Some also experienced fear of regression.
“Truthfully, I am scared,” said Ethan Smart, sophomore business administration major. “I’m terrified of the idea of being forced back into a masked identity just to avoid harassment or unjustified acts of judgement.”
Others were not surprised by the results.
“I saw it coming,” said Morgan Redeker, freshman chemistry major. “I figured more Americans would vote for Trump based on the polls.”
However, there was one thing many students had in common; hope for the future.
“Through everything I’ve seen locally and nationally,” Smart said. “I can only express hope that we won’t regress and undo all the progress that has been made in civil rights and unifying the nation as a whole.”
In regards to the outpouring of opinion on social media and in socialization over the past week, students agreed that initially, the reactions were extreme.
“I totally think people overreacted regardless of how they voted,” Redeker said.