The staff of the Tiger sat down to explain our reactions, thoughts, fears, and hopes concerning Tuesday night’s results, how we are preparing for President-elect Donald Trump’s coming term, and the uncertainty of the unity of the nation and where it is headed.

“I truly feel as if I am going through the five stages of grief. I am angry… angry that it appears that our country suffers from much more racism, homophobia, sexism, Islamaphobia than I thought. If anything, this election tells us that our work, and the work of activists, has just begun, and we have a lot more work to do.” -Emma Figarsky, Online Editor

“Today is a hard day, especially for minorities. Having Trump as president will be frightening because he does not think about the consequences of his actions. This is dangerous because the United States is such a powerful country.”-Elisabeth Bates, Features Editor

“America is just like a plane: Trump is now the captain/pilot. We the people are the passengers. No one buys a plane ticket hoping the plane crashes. So we can’t hope this country goes under. We the democrats and republicans have to strap in for the next four years and hope for the best.”-Julian Lapicz, Photography Editor 

“I am truly disappointed in the results of this election. It amazes me the amount of people in this country who think that the things this man says are okay. We as a country were so close to having a monumental election where the first woman president was to be elected. Not only that, but we were so close to having another president who would have protected the rights of all Americans no matter their differences.”-Sophie Ryall, Features Editor

“This is not right and I don’t understand how we got to this point. I had so much faith in the country until now. We have passed so many laws that are just going to be stripped away from us. I guess we are making America ‘great again’ by making everybody unequal again. He will never be my president.”-Mira Cary, School News Editor

“As a student, I was hopeful that I would get to go to the college of my dreams with reduced debt. As a woman, I looked forward to getting to see equal pay achieved and the shattering of the glass ceiling. Those however, will not be achieved anytime soon under the Trump administration, but hopefully they will be achievable by the time he leaves office. All I can do now is stand strong in the belief I have for what is right, and put up a fight if any of my rights are attempted to be taken from me.” -Annie Knight, staff writer

photo by Julian Lapicz

“We as a nation have a long way to go to prevent and stop the perpetuation and dismissive attitudes towards sexual assault, racism, religious injustice and many more inequities. As a nation we should be just as embarrassed of ourselves as other nations and allies are of us. We must deeply reflect on the meaning of the ‘land of the free.'” -Jada Henry, Executive Editor

“Hillary has inspired young girls around the world this election cycle and that’s an accomplishment in itself. Trump will fight for this country, along with Hillary as she continues to dedicate her life. Donald Trump will be our president on Jan. 20, the sun will continue to rise, and I will continue to fight for what’s right and thank God for checks and balances”-Lauren Berry, Sports Editor

“Even though I am a republican, I do not agree with Trump on everything, but I do not think the country is doomed. There are still many checks and balances. I thought Hillary gave a very good speech and I respect the way she reacted and her acceptance of the result.”-Gage Maris, staff writer

“This result has been very confusing for me and has made me fearful. I think the amount of tears shed by people around the world sums up how devastating this result is for many. I hope that one day equality is reached and discrimination becomes a rarity. I think we need to use this loss as an outlet for growing in unity and showing how important it is to take your vote seriously. Currently I am in denial, but as I let the truth set in I will use my anger to move forward as Hillary would have wanted.”-Claire Schallenberg, Communications

“This election has made me realize that if I want things to change for the better, I have to get involved and informed. This election makes me really sad and I hope women and the LGBT community don’t loose any of their rights. This country made a huge mistake, and I hope our new president doesn’t undo everything this country has fought so hard for.”-Cate Hollingsworth, Voices Editor

“This is tremendously angering, and as a female, a young adult, and an African-American, I am honestly disgusted at this outcome. For me, this means a lot of the issues us minorities faced will most likely be turned over, and there will be no concern for us. As a female, I am outraged to have a president that demeans my gender, and has sexually assaulted (both verbally and physically) women. I worry for the situation of immigrants and non-citizens who fear deportation, and the effect this will have on those families, including refugees. I fear for my life, because I know Trump supporters are on the side of aggression and hatred. To see the prideful confederate-flag-flying people will be a continuous slap in the face. And, now they are more prideful then they have ever been.”-Briana Fleming, staff writer

“An election like this comes as a shock. I didn’t think that a nation as diverse, powerful, and determined as ours would elect a person who has shown distaste for blacks, Latinos, women, homosexuals, Muslims, and people with disabilities. However, rather than sit back and accept the fate of our country, I believe with my whole heart that the ‘American dream is big enough for everyone’, just as Hillary Clinton said. I refuse to see this as the end. As American, we always have the option to stand up for what we believe in, and never sit down. Fight for what you believe in. Whether you are white, black, LGBTQ, a minority, or the majority. You have the right to live in a country where you are loved and accepted.”-Rebekah Harpool, staff writer

“Little Rock Central High School has provided a bubble for me… a bubble where people are accepting of other races, genders, religions, and beliefs. I am sad that the rest of our state and country do not feel the same. I want to live in a country where I am proud of my elected officials and I am able to look up to them. I am upset that a former Senator and Secretary of State will not be able to lead our country. In the words of Secretary Clinton, ‘This hurts, and will for a very long time.'”-Lily Jones, Executive Editor