November 5th, 2024 is considered one of the most important election days in United States history. The Presidential Election is a day where Americans have the right to have their voices heard and determine who will be the represented face of America. Citizens of America will have a choice on who will be the President of the United States: Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. A decision that will impact the future of America and the fate of its citizens can be very stressful! Goucher students agree that the lives of LGBT people, women, immigrants, and the working class are on the line in this election, which brings in anxiety towards how the American population will vote for who will seal their fates.
It has been confirmed that Donald Trump has won the election, meaning that he is the 47th president of the United States. This has been devastating news for countless people. Ever since the announcement, there has been a feeling of despair for many Goucher students. Because of what Trump is known to stand for, ideas that are rooted in bigotry, misogyny and hatred, many people have a sense of doom, especially since human rights are very much at risk. Trump’s connection with Project 2025 is one of the key reasons why his presidency is scary for many.
Aniya (Class of 2025) has expressed that they felt disappointed over the choices that they’re forced to settle for. “I’m not happy about my choices,” Aniya exclaimed. “I think that there’s no victory in this election, other than survival. That’s not something that we should be okay with.” Just like Aniya, many U.S. and Goucher residents have iffy opinions over the election. It’s upsetting and unfair that Americans have to rely on an unfair election system.
Now, more than ever, people need to be reminded that there is kindness in this world. It’s encouraged to find a sense of community where people express love for one another because acts of kindness and justice can combat bigotry. Ignorance, false information, and hatred spread rapidly as soon as Trump was elected, which makes it more important to show people who are most affected that they are valued and loved. It should be obvious that the people who are going to run the government will not show kindness to the citizens that they’re supposed to stand for, so we as citizens should be kind to each other in order to remind us that they’re is still hope for humanity. Acts of kindness, such as helping someone out, giving them compliments, or even saying hello will come a long way. If we can’t be nice and help one another in dark times, then our days will forever be dark.
There needs to be a reminder that there are safe spaces where you can reach out and discuss how the election makes one feel to get closer. Carter (2025) agrees that finding community will remind us that no one should feel alone throughout what’s to come. Carter says, “It’s important to focus on community and connecting yourself, rather than letting fear isolate you. That’s exactly what people who want to put you in a box want. Being able to go to a safe space will make you feel comfortable asking questions, being stressed, or just receiving support.” Empathy can go a long way by reminding us that America has communities where you can form conversations about your feelings and feel validation towards your worries. “Doomscrolling” can also make people develop feelings of dread for the future, so avoiding this is ideal. Having these conversations will make you realize that you’re not alone.
As for me: The fact that criminals are not allowed to vote, but can run for president is baffling! What does this say to our women and queer residents that our government loathes us for wanting to have comfortable lives? It’s upsetting that we are living in a country where people would rather have a felon to be the face of the country than a woman. It’s very difficult to have a sense of hope when there are many people who want to make you feel unsafe in “the land of the free”. We must not let corrupt politicians dictate on how we should express ourselves! While topics of abortion, trans and gay rights, and climate change are becoming controversial, we should not back down from having senses of logic and empathy for our community and the environment.
The best thing that we could do is help each other out and survive. As laws will be changing in different states, please make sure to check your resident state laws to ensure that you will live in a safe community. It’s upsetting to face the reality that this country would rather keep an old, ignorant, rich white man as president, rather than making history by having a woman of color as president.
By Kristen Wheeler ’25
