Athena Sobhan

These past few days have been really, really tough.  I have been crying since Tuesday night and today was the first day that I haven’t burst into tears when thinking about the next four years and the people the country let down with this election.  I haven’t been able to compose myself to be able to properly express everything I’m feeling and figuring out how to move forward because I’ve been overwhelmed by so much grief and pain for my family, friends, and everyone else negatively impacted by America’s decision. 

Today, my tears have stopped and I’m ready to speak out.

Since Tuesday, there has been so much news about the rise in hate crimes against minorities all across America.  While it’s important to address this, I want to take the time to talk about all the love I’ve experience over the past few days.  

On Wednesday, I woke up from two hours of sleep, feeling shock and disbelief.  However, reality quickly came rushing back to me when I scrolled through my social media and saw friends celebrating Trump’s victory and happy to “get their country back” and I burst into tears once more.  I had a presentation to give later that day and I attempted to calm myself in the morning, but could not find the mental strength, so I emailed my professor and explained that I was not able to compose myself long enough to present, especially since my topic was on minorities living in America, with the political climate.  He was so understanding and allowed me to present next class.  

I have seen a lot of posts on the internet criticizing colleges for “baby-ing” students “throwing temper tantrums” over the results of this election.  I don’t agree with this statement at all.  Students are already under immense pressure, whether it be from school, work, or other circumstances.  Then the election results come in Tuesday night and they, and the rest of America, watch as we elect a person that threatened the basic rights of minorities as well as inspired racist, homophobic, xenophobic, and misogynistic behavior across the country.  Suddenly, they begin to fear for their safety as well as the safety of their friends and family, rather than school work.  They try to finish up their assignments due the next day, study for their quizzes or exams, or prepare for a presentation; but every single time, the panic, the fear, the hurt, and all those other emotions build up again and tears blur their vision.  A professor’s compassion and empathy should not be misconstrued as “baby-ing,” especially during this time when they may feel the same way about the results as their students.  Mental health is just as important as physical health, and should not be ignored or pushed aside.    

I have gotten so many messages from friends and family, full of love, support, solidarity and offers of housing if I decided to leave the country.  It truly warmed my heart to know that I am not alone during this time.  I am so grateful to be surrounded by such amazing people that stand in solidarity with me and my loved ones.  The pain doesn’t feel as bad when there are others who grieve alongside you.

The most important thing I truly realized is that the amount of hate in this world does not match the amount of love that surrounds us.

During these next several years, we must not stay quiet.  We must all stand in solidarity with those whose rights are threatened by Trump’s presidency and do everything we can to protect these rights.  We won’t let anyone silence our movement or our voice because in a democracy, true power lies with the people, not the politicians in office.  But most of all, we must work to spread love and positivity all around us, because love is our strongest tool to enact change.