To the tri-campus community and beyond,
I am Elysia Morales, a sophomore at Saint Mary’s College pursuing a political science degree. Additionally, I am a first-generation student. I recognize the opportunity for education that I have been given. I carry my name and heritage with pride. My whole life, I have always been politically aware. During the 2024 race for president and after, I believe I saw the best and worst of America.
When I woke up on Nov. 6th, I found a number of hostile, grotesque and demeaning messages, as well as a common post on many social media stories detailing that if I had voted against their wishes, they no longer wished to have me in their life. Furthermore, wishing death upon me as well as my potential children one day.
Had the election outcome been different, I would never have treated others the way I have been treated. While I may not always agree with the morals, values or voting choices of those around me, I will always show them respect. Yet I and thousands of other conservatives often do not receive the same respect. Instead, conservatives are warned to be “careful” when expressing our views, while others are encouraged and celebrated for doing the same. In a similar vein, I recognize that I may be jeopardizing myself by writing this letter.
For those who truly know me, you understand that I am not the person others have made me out to be. And for those who assume they know me based on what you’ve heard from others, let me be clear: I am not the person those stories portray. Yet instead of having a mature conversation with me to understand where I stand, I am instead erasing hateful slurs from my dorm whiteboard. I have found myself repeatedly harassed and ridiculed by the very community that claims to love and support me.
No political party or presidential candidate is without its flaws; that is something I can confidently say. While our nation has been designed to divide each other through an “R” or “D” in front of someone’s name, at the end of the day, we all bleed the same.
It saddens me that after the election, Americans seem unable to agree to disagree. We’ve become so surrounded by political noise, violence and division that rather than having mature conversations to understand one another, we choose to avoid them altogether. The longer we turn our backs on open dialogue, the harder it will be to rebuild unity as a country.
To move forward, there are countless ways we can make progress: instead of just raising your voice to drown out the other side, focus on improving your argument. Being louder doesn’t guarantee you’re being heard. Utilize various media outlets and cross-check claims from different sources. Don’t blindly accept everything the media presents. Take the time to do your own research. And most importantly, be willing to recognize when you find common ground with a political party you might not usually align with.
In closing, as you move forward, always remember that individuals are far more than the policies they support, the candidates they vote for or the parties they choose to align with. People are shaped by several factors, values and perspectives that go beyond political labels. It’s essential to recognize the humanity in others and see them as individuals before you see them as enemies. Embrace the notion of agreeing to disagree, and don’t shy away from difficult conversations.
Challenge yourself to listen and learn even when the topics are uncomfortable or divisive. Above all, never silence another person, no matter how strongly you may disagree. True growth comes from understanding, and understanding begins with open dialogue and mutual respect. At times, the people you love most may not see eye to eye with you. Love them anyway.
To close with a quote from former congresswoman Karen Handel: “We need to lift up the nation so we can find a more civil way to deal with our disagreements because, in these United States of America, no one should ever feel their life threatened over their political beliefs and positions.”
Elysia Morales
Saint Mary’s College
class of 2027
Feb. 25
