Turning adversity into triumph usually takes time and thought, but occasionally something remarkable will happen that instantly sparks a revolution — like Donald Trump becoming the president of our nation.

Some might argue there are worse things that could happen to America, and some might say this is one thing we could never turn into a triumph. But, let’s consider this: The result of Trump taking office has created brotherhood and sisterhood through racism, activism through hate, feminism through misogyny, thoughtful minds through ignorance, and a plethora of other beautiful things despite it all.

Without a doubt there has been an ongoing flood of heartless demands and thoughtless remarks toward the innocent from Trump’s campaign and presidency. We are reminded that racism and prejudice are still prevalent in America. We hear words like “deportation,” “thug,” “fat,” “ugly” and “stupid” used in regards to the very Americans he is supposed to be guiding as a nation. The negativity has provoked deep angst and outbursts of hate throughout; violent protests; hate crimes and perhaps more racism and misogyny than we have seen in decades from radical groups influenced by Trump's rhetoric.

Yet an important question that may never be answered is: “Where would we be, what would we be doing, and who would we be as a nation if Hillary Clinton would have been seated in the White House?” Would she have energized activism in the way the president has?

The hate we’ve experienced would most likely not have been as harsh and the presidential bullying would probably have been kept much more professional. We may not have experienced as much violence and anger as a nation. We would however, probably be less active, we might have felt more safe witnessing Clinton tackle standard political issues like college tuition and middle class taxes instead of witnessing Trump exacerbate our rights tweet after tweet.

We’ve become angry with Trump, when we might have just felt content and remained idle with Clinton. 

Even before Trump took office, he brought the people of our nation together, in a sense. Early on, when “President Trump” was still just an idea to some and a joke to others, we had already begun to stand together. More and more attention to basic and complicated human rights was beginning to be brought to light. Since Trump has officially become president, we’ve been given about nine months worth of fuel to add to our rightful fire as American citizens. This presidency has become something more than politics — more than gas prices, war and raising minimum wage.  

We’ve been shown the capabilities of our own voices through the impacts of activism since the campaigns began. Through the simplicity of using social media and the complexity of banding together to literally stand up for what is right, we’ve created a community of influencers. From the early days of feeling scared enough to have citizens threaten to leave the country, to the vastly more mature present day, we’ve shaped a stronger and smarter nation without needing a leader. We’ve learned patience and power through the confusion of Trump’s vision. We’ve given speeches, made music and created works of art through this fight. And every day, people of this great nation are finding ways to work toward a more open and supportive world.

How much will our nation have changed by 2020? How much more will we learn and how much stronger can we grow? Will we see an increase in voters since this last election? Will we see a better tomorrow?

This presidency has become a tool and a major stepping stone for our futures. If we are able to continue to come together as a nation and mold negativity into a fight that is bigger than ourselves and bigger than politics, we can continue to make America actually great. It’s gonna be huge.