For some of us the election hurt. We were disturbed by the 34 felony charges, the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol, the comical claims about Ohio residents eating pets and the inflammatory rhetoric about arresting political opponents as “enemies of the people.” Donald Trump’s campaign capitalized on public frustration rather than inspiring hope for our future. And yet, we elected him by a comfortable margin — this time with no guardrails, and with a supportive Senate majority.
But as a young American, I refuse to let this outcome define our collective future. What I’ve witnessed on our campus gives me hope: thoughtful discussions between people of different political beliefs, civil discourse rather than antagonism, and a shared commitment to mutual respect. These values, instilled by our school community, demonstrate that we can maintain strong relationships despite our political differences, even in an election capable of tearing our country apart.
While attending a journalism convention in Philadelphia this past weekend, I felt comforted seeing 3,800 dedicated student journalists gathered to hone their craft. In an era when truth often seems under siege, this commitment to upholding free press — a cornerstone of democracy — was deeply encouraging. Each individual understood that accurate reporting and ethical journalism transcend political divisions.
But there’s still much work to be done — young people and first-time voters in particular need to show up to the polls. Youth voter turnout (ages 18-29) dropped to just 42% in 2024, down from 2020. Overall participation decreased by 15 million voters compared to the last presidential election. In Texas, despite having a record 18.6 million registered voters, turnout fell by 6% from 2020.
Some voters argue it’s better to abstain from voting than support a candidate they don’t feel enthusiastic about. But we can no longer expect the relatively cordial campaigns of past elections, like Obama vs. McCain or Bush vs. Gore. Instead of allowing political polarization to erode national unity and patriotism, we must actively preserve our bonds with friends, family and fellow Americans.
As a first-time voter, I’m proud to have participated in this democratic process, regardless of the outcome. I’m equally proud to be part of a generation of truth-seekers who care deeply about our nation’s future, even when we disagree about the best path forward. This commitment to engagement, combined with respect for different viewpoints, offers hope for bridging our divides.
Moving forward requires more than shrugging our shoulders and hoping for the best – it demands we show up at every election, engage in our communities, and make our voices heard. As a young American, I’m committed to strengthening our democracy by continuing to vote my conscience, and I urge others to do the same. Our shared future depends on every citizen taking part, not just in presidential elections, but in all the small but crucial decisions that shape our nation’s path. Whether you celebrated or mourned this election’s results, we must maintain our shared American identity. Unity isn’t about agreeing on everything; it’s about maintaining our connections despite our differences. Because when we lose that fundamental connection to each other, we risk losing the very essence of what makes our democracy work.
