From setting up camp in front of the TV prepared for a red-eyed night ahead, to setting an alarm clock for the next morning unsure of what would transpire overnight, every student at Winona State University experienced election night in a different way. Some students made late night cup-noodles to boost their morale while others hopped between news outlets or opted to sleep through the madness. These are just some of the tales from the night where people nationwide watched democracy in action. Many students are experiencing mixed emotions on how to approach the subject and outcome.
When the sun rose on November 5th, some students blinked awake to a bright screen and looked at their phone with a mix of anticipation and dread. In a rush of bliss or grief the results spread quickly. Snaps pinged and cellphones buzzed on top of bedside tables, students made morning calls to loved ones or woke up a roommate in haste to tell them the news. An uneven emotional atmosphere was felt during the A.M. classes. Some displayed a somber demeanor and others contained their thoughts. By most accounts, students understood that emotions were running high and were best left alone for each individual to handle. By extending an extra handful of grace, the campus remained non-eventful and weathered the storm in relative peace.
While it is clear that no two people feel the exact same way about the event, many are united in their concern for the way America could and should change during the next four years. Three students shared their thoughts on the state of America and how they hope it advances.
A First-year psychology major, Caroline, who used that knowledge from her major to take a look at how citizens and students reacted to the results.
“The problem with the 2024 election results is the anger, hate, and hostility. It is never ok to verbally attack others for thinking differently,” Caroline said. “Many fear the new office will cause multiple disasters and destroy many lives. I personally feel there have been worse times in history for America, yet we survived. If this truly is the start of a new hardship, I think we can persist through it.”
Calista Rasmussen, a second-year nursing major who believed economics, rising drug abuse and crime rates, cost of groceries, and unhealthy food were the most pressing issues. She experiences uncertainty when it comes to the cost of housing and the ability to build a future for herself. Rasmussen also expressed optimism at what is yet to come.
“I would like to buy a house when I graduate without going broke.” Rasmussen said. “I hope our economy will get better so everyday Americans can go grocery shopping without wondering how much, if any, money they will have left.”
Blaine Niemeyer, a first-year engineering major who agreed that cost of living and housing should be addressed. Niemeyer also worries he won’t have the same opportunities to own a home as previous generations.
“My parents were lucky enough to buy a house, but when I buy a house as a college graduate I will most likely feel the effects of the housing market if it stays as it is.” Niemeyer said. “Hopefully the government budget will be spent on more pressing matters, than what it is.”
Niemeyer thinks the government should carefully prioritize where they put their funding. Each student shared a message they would like the greater campus community to keep in mind during the next few weeks. Rasmussen began with a reminder on wellbeing, “Keep your mental and physical health as your top priority. We can’t do anything about the results, so take care of yourself. Have a happy time at college and pass all your classes!”
Niemeyer reassured those fearing their opposers, “I think college students should remember that just because your candidate was not elected doesn’t mean that they will be ostracized or prosecuted because of that. Most have no ill will towards those who think differently than them.”
Caroline concluded with a message of identity, “We are not defined by our political beliefs. They may impact us, but our individuality as a human being is not dependent on a political party.”
