My friend and I sat outside the Basilica, Our Lady in plain view, as we watched a compilation of Hillary Clinton’s campaign highlights. Tears came to our eyes, as the ups and downs flashed across the screen — moments of hope in nomination clinches, setbacks along the way. She and I, and many of my female friends, took this election to heart. Finally, a woman to represent us! Someone to show to us that it’s possible, a woman can do everything a man can do! Needless to say, this election is a blow. And we manifested that in tears.
As we watched however, two men walked past. They looked over and suddenly erupted in laughter. As they walked away, one turned to the other and choked out, “all the women on campus are crying today” amidst his chuckles. And this sentiment perhaps hurt more than all of the election coverage I have been watching.
Yes sir, we are crying today. I cry because no one like me has ever been president. I cry because finally someone came close. I cry because my inspiration, and many young girls’ inspiration, lost today. I cry because of all the hateful rhetoric we have all heard this past year that personally hurt me and many of my friends. And finally I cry because someone finds our country’s shared pain, faults and challenges amusing. These next couple of weeks will be challenging. But there is still hope. A woman will become president. Women will be represented equally. Women will be respected. I believe in this. I will fight for this. And I will not be alone.
Alexa Fedynsky
senior
Nov. 11
