JESSICA RICHMAN ‘20

Special to The Denisonian

Like many of my fellow Americans, I am going through many different emotions following the election.

I went through the first few phases of grief pretty quickly. I was in denial from before the votes were even tallied. Then, I was just angry for quite some time.

This is my country, and my home. I am not going to let one person, or even a group of people determine how I should feel or what I should do.

I was not just a Hillary voter, I was a supporter. I have always held her in high regard, and I still believe that she is more than capable to hold the position of leader of the free world.

When I was in fourth grade, my school had the theme of heroes for halloween costumes, and I dressed as Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The personal is political, but I also take the political very personally. To some, this may appear to be just looking to be offended, but it is a core piece of me.

I am personally offended and insulted by the fact that we still have not had a woman president. To me, that is our country saying that they do not think I am competent or capable to help lead this world.

No, I did not just vote for Hillary because she is a woman; I voted for her because I think that she is the right person to help our nation.

She is so completely qualified, and this job should be hers. She has earned it.

I know there are people who may disagree, but I truly believe  the biggest reason that held her back from breaking the glass ceiling is her identity as a woman.

If a man had the same experience and credentials then there would be no question as to his success.

And yet we have the most qualified woman lose to the least qualified man to ever enter a presidential election. This is the utmost example of how far we still have to go in terms of equality.

I realize that the world is not ending, and that one person does not (or should not) hold all the power.

But what worries me is this: Donald Trump did not follow any of the implied rules to become elected as president.

Donald Trump is a bully, and he is sending the message to America that if you are privileged, and do everything wrong, then you will come out on top.

He uses his position of power to push others down, instead of to bring them up.

I don’t know what will happen next, but I refuse to accept a world where these types of actions and behaviors are deemed acceptable.

Instead of fixating on this event, I will move forward. I want to take action and help to mold our country into one I can be proud of.

I will actively join the American fight for equality and decency for all. And this will be a guiding principle in my daily life, because it is the right thing to do.

Jessica Richman ‘20 is a women and gender studies major from Akron, Ohio.