I was reluctant to write a blog so soon after the election results as most of what I would have written would have been centred on anger, confusion and disbelief. This post has a slightly less cheery notion to it, however I think its one of the most important things that will happen to America whilst I’m here so it would selfish of me not to write about it. The dust has now settled and as America slowly prepares itself for a major shift in its political outlook I can see some of the effects its already having. Being at UCSD I’ve been in a sort of liberal bubble protecting me from a lot of the hatred that currently exists and was shown in the election results. Watching the election, I sat in my apartment with my friends (non-US) in complete shock at what was going on. Coming from England, that though has its political troubles at the moment, it seemed crazy that something like this could be happening right in front of me. I felt an extreme sense of distance from the American people, despite the fact I was right in the heart of it.

The next day there was a huge sense of mourning across the campus. I received multiple emails from faculties and departments reassuring students that UCSD does not stand for the hatred that was so widely glorified during the election. Comforting messages were chalked across the campus grounds. In my politics lecture people weren’t buzzing to discuss the results as you’d expect, but were solemn and quiet.

Prior to the election I felt the campus wasn’t particularly political, it certainly wasn’t known for it, and I never felt a real sense of buzz for the election before it happened. However, moment after the result was announced I felt a major change in this. Not even hours after Trump victory had been announced a protest started, it came past my window so my flat mates and I joined in the march. Thousands of people all unified marching through the campus grounds distancing themselves from divisiveness of the election. It was the most at home I’d felt at UCSD and I felt truly proud to stand with fellow pupils, and even though I don’t live in America I felt it was important to stand up on behalf of those who can’t and on behalf of everyone across the world who disagrees with what happened.

UCSD has a massively diverse student base, and being so close to Mexico a lot of what was raised during the campaign will have direct and detrimental effects for many people who study and work here. Being here for the election and the aftermath was something I’ll never forget, and getting to stand with everyone here is something that will always remain close to my heart.