It is finally over; election season is done and a president is chosen. The world did not end and nobody was harmed – well, not to my knowledge. Instead, we watched our democratic process at work. I, along with many others, had the opportunity to vote in my first presidential election and take part in history.

According to the Huffington Post, the youth vote increased from the last election, which is something I take pride in. I saw my generation become passionate about both candidates, a scenario I rarely see. These, of course, are the positives that came out of this election, a matter that we lose sight of too often. Amid all of the mudslinging and debates, I witnessed passion from Obama and Romney supporters alike. We as a student body and as a generation became engaged and educated, instead of just watching our future be decided for us.

I cannot hide the fact that I am an optimist, but I do have a grasp on reality. Our nation still has a long way to go. That fact will never change no matter who won the election. Both candidates should be respected for dedicating themselves to public service and being bold enough to bring these issues to the forefront.

Not to sound too cliché, but this is where the real work begins. So, it is time to put away all bundled-up resentment and push the nation forward. Regardless of whether your candidate won or lost, our president is going to need the support of everyone as a nation. I know that we will all never agree – if we did, then we would not need to have a presidential race – but we can all agree on the fact that our nation needs a change.

To compel this change there is no room for ignorance on either side; the president and the House of Representatives are already divided, so the job is already complicated. This election is no longer about race and social status, but about what as a people we can do to create change. The surge of energy that was sparked during this election should not be extinguished but instead go toward this new direction America is going toward.

It might not be the future you saw for the nation, but do not just shut out the entire process; give it a chance. Our democratic system is not designed to always work out in our favor. It is designed to let the people decide, and the people have spoken.