A lot of us aren’t happy about the way this election turned out. Over the past week, we’ve seen protests across the nation and even at our own Vashon High School. As a Running Start student at Tacoma Community College, participating in the walkout with my peers was not an option, but had it been, I would not have done it. Make no mistake, I am less than thrilled about the impending presidency of Donald Trump, yet there was something about the walkout that unsettled me.

In particular, the sign that said “Not my President” was disturbing. Like it or not, Trump will soon be sworn in as president of the United States and, unless plotting secession (which I would strongly advise against), he is your president. To deny this is to promote the same antagonistic, divided attitude that has characterized this entire election.

We are the same country that we were before Trump was elected, and we are the same people. We walk on the same land and drink the same water. America is still America, and we have to remember that and work to make her a better place.

Now, more than ever, is a time for unity. We should not deny the Trump presidency, but instead promote friendship, respect, and sanity in our day-to-day lives. Support those who are homeless or struggling financially. Reach out to immigrants. Get involved in the assistance of refugees. Put your actions and words behind the message that what truly makes America great is not wealth or power but opportunity and solidarity.

As for reacting to policies that undermine the true greatness of this nation, compromise where you can, but where you can’t, don’t. America is only as good as the people within her. Let’s make her truly great.

— Ciely Daly