Sophomore Lauren Hanson and her family settled down for dinner on Nov. 5th after an exhausting day. The T.V. played as they ate, reporters announcing updates in electoral college votes as each presidential candidate’s count rose. As Hanson looked up from her dinner at the screen, her heart skipped a beat. Her anxiety intensified as the map morphed into an overwhelming sea of red. 

Suddenly, it was over. Former President Donald Trump won 312 electoral votes, along with the popular vote, while Vice President Kamala Harris finished with 226 votes. 

“I immediately asked my parents, ‘Do you think the reason for Trump winning is because Kamala’s a woman?’ And, sadly, I think it may be a primary reason people didn’t vote for her,” said Hanson. “It’s disappointing that people seem to choose who to vote for simply because of their appearance or gender rather than based on their history and values.”

Disappointment Over Harris’ Loss

When former President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on July 21 and Vice President Kamala Harris became the primary Democratic candidate, I was ecstatic. I had just turned eighteen; as a young woman, I was excited to exercise my right to vote in support of a competent, educated woman. 

Now, with the results set in stone, nearly half the nation–including myself– is struggling to mend their broken dreams for this election. Among these individuals are students at Lake Forest High School.

“As a young woman, watching this election from the outside left me feeling powerless. Before, I was hopeful for the future of the country and I vowed to keep that hope, no matter the results. But, being just under voting age, I was devastated as I watched people around me make the decision and let their voices be heard while mine was silent,” said senior Natalie Elliott. 

Trump, for the second time in eight years, has been elected over a female candidate, upsetting many LFHS students. Some people are now questioning the morals of our nation and doubting their own power as individuals.

“The outcome of this election has been very telling about the values of our country. Obviously, it’s the second time in eight years where a female candidate has lost and, more so, lost to the same man who disregards women’s rights,” said senior Nastia Belova. “Seeing Kamala fall short was very disappointing and discouraging. I feel like a lot of women looked towards Kamala as someone who could inspire and be a role model for generations of girls to come, demonstrating that they can aspire to be in positions of influence.”

That feeling of disappointment extends to students’ perceptions of why Harris wasn’t elected. Her gender, race and misinformation that has glorified Trump’s past presidency– despite its countless faults– have all contributed to false narratives and unfair perceptions of Harris. Several LFHS students, including one alumna, have opinions on the matter:

• LFHS Alumna Ella Droege: “I’m disappointed that people voted against Harris mainly for her gender. I think the most important factor to consider when voting are the policies of the candidates. I’m displeased and frustrated that many people didn’t do that for this election.”
• Senior Gabby Heintzelman: “It makes me sad to hear that people continue to vote for a sexist, racist president over a woman. People in this country seemed to vote for Trump for their own personal gain rather than considering the overall wellbeing of the American people.”
• Senior Nastia Belova: “The fact that many people were influenced to vote against Kamala because of her gender and race is pretty degrading, making a lot of people question if they can reach success if they are women, people of color or part of other groups– all of which are advocated for more by Kamala’s campaign than Trump’s.”
• Senior Kashyap Prasad: “I’m disappointed in people. It seems that they’ve forgotten even about the mishandling of the pandemic, and several other issues, by Trump.” 

Opinions On Trump

The disappointment, anger and anxiety students are experiencing is not only associated with Harris’ loss. It also connects to a deep concern of Trump: his policies, his values and his conduct.

“This election, while saddening and scary, is not surprising. Personally, I was hoping that the fact that the 34 felony charges against Trump would raise red flags in people’s decision making,” said senior Katie May Newman. “As an immigrant, I find it appalling that the leader of a country– who is supposed to be providing liberty for all– claims that immigrants are ‘poisoning the blood of our country.’” 

Junior Matthew Kim stressed the threat of another four years under Trump’s leadership as the to-be president’s demeanor has only declined since his last presidency, becoming more violent, unprofessional and immature.

“I’m disappointed. In addition to being responsible for enacting meaningful change and policy, the president’s behavior sets a moral precedent for all American citizens. It’s my belief, along with many of Trump’s previous advisors, that allowing his behavior to re-enter the White House is dangerous for America,” said Kim.

Many young women and other students at LFHS feel betrayed by those who voted for Trump, finding that their peers’ priorities are disconnected from protecting their individual rights.

“In voting for Trump, you have actively voted against the rights of not only immigrants, but also of women and the queer community. You have voted against your mother, your sister, your aunt and your friends. I don’t understand how someone can reach a level of selfishness to vote for a leader who preaches nothing but hate and self gain,” said Newman. 

Many students are also upset that some individuals actively chose to undermine women and minorities’ rights, especially since Trump was very open about his political agenda.

“It’s concerning to me that a majority of supporters for Trump are either unaware of his stance on certain human rights issues or don’t prioritize them; to them, gas prices are more important than protecting refugees, giving women access to abortions, providing natural disaster relief or allowing for an uncensored education,” said junior Sydney Keck. “I’m incredibly frustrated at the direction our country has decided to vote in this election.”

A lot of students at our school have relatives in other countries. There is a general anxiety that access to their family could be cut off by Trump’s affairs.

“As a Muslim, I’m worried about my family in the middle east getting banned from the country because of Trump’s agenda,” said senior Rayanne Attar.

Students have also expressed concern about our future and what that will look like in four years.

“I’m disappointed that voters chose a convicted felon to be president over our extremely qualified Vice President. It’s more than just politics; this is our future. It’s a test of our morals, and we’ve failed,” said senior Kallista Schneiderman.

There is also the concern about Trump’s vision for the Education Department and its potential destruction.

“Many students at LFHS and around the nation are relying on FAFSA for financial aid for college, and I think there’s the threat that this will no longer be in place,” said Attar. “I’m also thinking about the kids at Big2Little [a club at LFHS]. Many of their parents are immigrants and their schools aren’t always funded well, and I’m worried about how the education system will play out for them.”

Are We Heading Backwards?

In June 2022, the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a federal law that guaranteed women the right to an abortion. That law had been in place for nearly fifty years. 

Senior Gwen Daliere is concerned that our nation may continue to step back into the political agenda of the 1900s. 

“I’m honestly most angry that female voters would vote for Trump over a female candidate. It feels like they are working against themselves and their fellow women,” said senior Gwen Daliere. “I just don’t understand how women could vote against their own rights; it really feels like we are progressing backwards instead of forwards.”

Senior Victoria Garcia de Leaniz Hernandez thinks that we, as students and upstanding citizens, are not considering the future when we vote for specific candidates.

“Young people as a whole, throughout history, have tended to want change. It’s concerning that in this election, they seem to have chosen to remain staunchly where they currently are,” said Garcia de Leaniz Hernandez.

Posting Opinions Online

The election results have spurred students from both sides of the spectrum to share their opinions on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

“The beautiful thing about America is that every citizen has a right to vote for the candidate they want, and you cannot be persecuted for supporting your candidate. However, as an individual you have every right to feel immensely disappointed, shocked and worried by the candidates that others– even your closest friends– support,” said Keck. 

Senior Fallon Anderson also believes that each citizen should be respected, no matter their beliefs, and that we as young adults should make sure we are educated and aware when it comes to politics.

“This country is built on the foundation of freedom; everyone should be able to voice their opinions and not be disregarded or mistreated because of it,” said senior Fallon Anderson. “In a democracy, no one should feel like their voice isn’t heard, or that their life isn’t valued and protected. Unfortunately, though, that’s the case for many Americans on both sides of the political spectrum. As high schoolers, it’s our responsibility to take advantage of the resources we are so fortunate to have and use them to learn more about each political party.”

However, there is a double standard when it comes to students expressing their opinions online. Students have been calling out their peers and attacking them for posting their beliefs. As a result, friendships have ended, relationships have been rocky and the overall atmosphere of our school is reflecting the polarized nation itself.

A Lack of Research

Junior Gonzalo Zaragaga expressed his main concern about the ignorance of both voters and nonvoters concerning the candidates and their lack of research. 

“The political state of the country is deeply unsettling. It’s frustrating to see people blindly supporting candidates without fully understanding what they represent. It’s no longer just about party affiliation− it’s about the moral principles citizens of a democracy should uphold,” said Zarazaga.

There is also the concern that the media is spreading violent claims and ideas that threaten the safety of certain groups, underscoring the need to vet our sources before we fill our minds with erroneous information.

“Misogyny, racism, homophobia, ableism and xenophobia are all rampant, and online spaces are furthering that hatred, especially among impressionable youth,” said Garcia de Leaniz Hernandez.

While misinformation is always in the news, as citizens granted the privilege of voting, we must ensure that our sources are reliable and nonpartisan. Additionally, many students at LFHS have admitted that they voted strictly for the candidate that their parents or friends supported without doing any research. Newman finds this to be frustrating.

“Voting for the candidate your parents voted for, or the candidate all your friends are voting for, isn’t enough anymore. We need to continue to educate ourselves and others. I think people need to take a step back and see each candidate from a simpler point of view. Ask yourself: do they have the best interest of their people in mind?” said Newman.

The Political Climate at LFHS and in the Nation

LFHS is experiencing a period of deep polarization as students with opposing views have expressed their opinions publicly.

“LFHS is definitely tense right now. People aren’t really sure what’s going to happen, and we’re not sure how the impacts of this election will hold up in the future because we really aren’t going to see them until when we have to clean this mess up,” said Prasad. 

Hanson agreed that the general climate at LFHS is awkward.

“At school, I felt the vibe the day after the election was very solemn and cold. Whether people were mourning, or they just didn’t know what to say, it was kind of uncomfortable,” said Hanson.

Senior Ibrahim Hashim also recognizes that our country itself is polarized and that people are struggling, on both sides, to maintain amenable relationships.

“I would say the current political climate right now is very difficult for everyone. We are polarized as a nation, and political views shape friendships,” said Hashim.

Many students are having trouble seeing their peers in the same light as they did before.

“It’s such a weird feeling walking around the school knowing that so many people, so many classmates, so many friends, have used their right to vote for the first time in such a harmful way. So many of us in Lake Forest have the privilege of not caring about the social aspects of this election; we have the privilege of voting for lower gas prices instead of the health and safety of nearly every minority group,” said senior Nora Sharman.

Hopes For The Future

Despite the political climate in LFHS and our nation, there is still hope. Trump’s election to office, while disheartening for many, does not necessarily mean all aspirations are gone.

“This election doesn’t mean all hope is lost. I encourage everyone who feels angered by the results to keep researching politics, become involved in local or national campaigns you support and keep voting– congressional elections happen every two years,” said Keck. (Image courtesy of BusinessWorld Online)

Supporting our peers, despite potential disagreements, should still be a priority. Democracy, as it is, allows for different opinions to be heard, as we all want what is best for our country.

“There exists good people in the world and, even when things seem dire, it is crucial that we support one another in trying to fight to make the world a better place for everyone. We must learn to empathize with one another to engage in productive conversations about how to improve our society as a whole,” said Garcia de Leaniz Hernandez.

Elliot has hope in current, and future, generations.

“Though I’m not thrilled with the outcome, this election made me realize how much our generation matters. We have the ability to fight, and we have the ability to win, and we must continue to come together and utilize it,” said Elliot.

Senior Annie Gibbons feels that we must hold ourselves responsible for how we communicate and interact with other people around us.

“It’s important to love everyone and see everyone’s humanity, and we must hold ourselves accountable for how our words make others feel,” said senior Annie Gibbons.

There is also still immense hope that a female president will one day lead the United States.

“Political opinions aside, I think that watching a highly educated female be elected would be extremely empowering and inspirational for women nationwide whether they be a Democrat, Republican or anything in between. I really hope that one day a little girl will be able to look at the president and say ‘I want to be like her when I grow up,’” said Anderson. (Image courtesy of American Civil Liberties Union)

And, most importantly, we need to use our voices, strength and courage− as both individuals and a group− to facilitate real change. 

“I’m going to use my voice and find a way to make change no matter who the president is, and I suggest that everyone else who is troubled by the outcome of this election do the same. That’s where we’ll make a difference,” said Sharman. “I look forward to the day that our country is less polarized and our politics can epitomize the peaceful democracy that the government should be. But we are going to have to work for that day. And, until then, just keep focused on the future.”