Today, the streets are quiet. Faces are sullen. We grieve.
On Tuesday, students showed up. The Stevenson Event Center had a line outside the door even past the 8 p.m. close. We stood, many of us for the first time, waiting for the moment to make our vote count. No matter the outcome, our voices and our actions hold power. We must hold our heads high and be proud of what we did.
Despite the efforts of our community and so many others across the country, at the end of the night, many of us were faced with a result that we were not prepared for. Today, as Trump celebrates his victory, feelings of disbelief, confusion, anger, sadness and fear are palpable on our campus. On buses, in homes, on phone calls, and through texts — so many of us are searching for comfort and community in a time when there is seemingly none to be found.
But to accept that isolation as our truth is to deny the power of what we saw at polling locations across Santa Cruz — our community is built on care for those around us and compassion for those we may never meet. That care did not keep Trump out of office, but it didn’t disappear overnight either. The fear and anger we feel now is only a reflection of the love and concern we have for those which the coming administration seeks to harm.
Today, we must reflect, grieve, and find our own peace among the chaos consuming our nation. Though we are all feeling this turbulence, at this moment, we must turn towards each other. We must share our tears, our anger, and the fear we feel. Our way forward is together, hand-in-hand, with the strength that comes from acting out of love.
No one is alone in how they feel right now. Your thoughts and feelings are shared by millions across the country — and more importantly, by so many already in our community. Do not let this pain shut you down. Instead work with your friends, your neighbors, and your classmates to heal together.
It is easy to lose hope and spiral into feelings of strife, sadness, and loss. Do not allow every thought of “what if “ and “what will be” override what can happen — what you can do — tomorrow.
“But tomorrow—tomorrow is for community. I’ll be there, chest heaving, limbs heavy, eyes blurry, waiting for you.” – Scaachi Koul