It’s been eight days since the United States elected its 47th president, yet the echoes of that night still resonate.
Picture this: MSNBC’s Jen Psaki analyzing Wisconsin, a key state, announcing a victory for Donald Trump — a jarring twist of events, only moments before the final call. That dreary Wednesday that dawned, dark and heavy, will be etched in my memory.
It all felt oddly familiar, like a haunting echo of 2016. Yet this time, the stakes feel sharper, closer, more personal. In 2016, my biggest concern was how I was supposed to balance sports while studying for my sixth-grade history test. Today, as I stand on the cusp of life-shaping decisions, entering adulthood as a young woman, the weight of these results hits deeper, anchoring me in a moment that feels both pivotal and painfully uncertain.
For many of us, especially women, this past week has been a whirlwind of emotions: shock, disappointment and an unsettling sense of loss. That morning brought a flood of questions: What now? Will we be safe? Is our world about to shift in ways we aren’t prepared for? Vice President Kamala Harris’ words cut through the tension, and through tear-filled eyes, we listened — a promise that the work of generations isn’t undone.
“This is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, to mobilize and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together,” Harris said in her concession speech at Howard University.
Let me just say, today is not the day to give up. Hold fast to your values. Don’t underestimate the strength in your beliefs or the profound impact of understanding what your vote truly means. Many cast their ballots and brought real change, and even if these weren’t the results we hoped for, don't lose faith in the power of your voice.
This is a moment that demands resilience, not resignation. This is a reminder that democracy is a marathon, not a sprint. Change rarely happens all at once. It unfolds through sustained efforts, countless voices and a steady, determined work of those who refuse to settle for anything less than equality. We are the continuation of a long line of advocates who’ve kept pushing forward, and that spirit endures in each of us today.
The path to progress is winding, and moments like this only highlight the need to stay engaged, informed and ready to contribute, no matter the setback.
So let this moment be fuel, not defeat. The fight for justice and equal representation belongs to all of us, and every voice — every vote — matters more than ever. Now is the time to stay active, and bring our communities together. Don’t let this result disrupt or stop your daily routine in any way.
When history looks back on this moment, let it see that we didn’t let disappointment silence us. Instead, be motivated by our belief in a future that includes and honors all of us. This work is far from over, and our voices are just beginning.
