During the middle of the night Tuesday, Nov. 8, campus had a different feel to it. Books and pencils were pushed to the side, sleep took second priority and students watched on as the votes for the 2016 presidential election flooded in.

In the days following, there is also a different atmosphere around campus. Things seem to be much quieter than usual, heads are down and there isn’t the same Grand Valley State University charm and unity we have become so accustomed to. Students are taking time to let the presidential election sink in – and that’s OK.

For many Lakers, they didn’t get the election results they wanted, it’s true. However, the votes have come in and Donald Trump is, in fact, the president-elect. Though this was not the outcome the polls predicted nor the one the Lanthorn advocated for, we hope, as U.S. citizens, that Trump can prove us wrong and will rise to the occasion for the sake and well-being of our country.

Throughout the campaign process this past year, many societal issues have been brought up, as have proposed solutions for them. We are nearly at the start of a new presidency, one that we can take advantage of and help to lead in the right direction or one that we can sit behind and watch unfold. Even if you didn’t get the results you wanted, this is still your nation and you have a chance to make yourself known.

However, our presence on political issues should not be one of violence. No matter how upset we are, the rioting and brawling we have seen in the news is not a constructive outlet for feelings of distress. We have to step up. We have to be the bigger person as a community and find a way to invoke change without destruction. All destruction and violence among us drives the nation further apart. We, the citizens, are what makes this country great, not just our president.

When a new president is elected, there is always a group of people who are upset their candidate or party didn’t win. There has never been a president in the history of the U.S. that has had an 100 percent approval rating. One of the beauties of America is that we don’t have to agree.

We are not saying that if you do not agree with the presidency that you should accept the leadership with open arms, rather, we should take a note from figures such as President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and handle the cards we have been dealt with grace and composure. We should figure out how to work together to make America successful and maintain her beauty, poise and power in the world.

Whether you voted Democratic, Republican or for a third party, now is the time to come together and advocate for the change we want to see. To make that happen, we have to take a stand. It’s easy to lose hope or lose sight of the end goal, but instead of throwing in the towel, it’s time to come together and make history happen.