By Kelly Cacciolfi | Observer Contributor
United we stand, divided we fall. This is how I feel about what has transpired since this historical election. It’s my opinion that we need to raise our voices, let them be heard, and march in solidarity… peacefully.
Our young children are watching every move, protest, and bad word said. This is not what I choose for my children. I believe we should rise together and make this a cry to our young adults and children to be the change.
I took part in the Post Election Dialog two days after the election in the North Café on the Gardner campus, where what was shared in the circle stayed in the circle. Thoughts that were expressed were ones of fear, anger, helplessness, and happiness. This is a wonderful safe place where on campus, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to come together and share their thoughts, feelings, and how they will pull through a tough time.
This event was hosted by several, one being Jason Zelesky, and was planned since August. A national grant makes these dialogs possible and this is one of several so far to have taken place.
People were welcomed by Greg Clement, Assistant Dean of Students, and shown to a wonderful build your own salad bar with soup. President Daniel Asquino was present with other faculty, staff, and trained moderators. This was a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment to share your thoughts.
I heard so many different emotions, however, I would like to assure you all that in my house, I am not raising a rapist or a woman who will ever think of herself as less than. It’s my opinion that many households are like mine. No matter who is President of the United States of America, I choose to believe that said person will act in the best interest of our amazing, wonderful, and free country.
Another voice that was different from all others was happy that President-elect Donald Trump won and was hoping that we the people would give Trump a chance and not just close our minds to him. In the end, isn’t that what we are asking Trump to do, not be closed-minded? I believe we should lead by example and have hope.
Without hope and faith in our country, what do we have? We should rise together as a whole with many different views and be respectful and supportive. That’s what is so beautiful about our great country, freedom. We should let Trump hear our voices and we should hear his. As the great John Lennon would say, “give peace a chance.”
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