This column is one in a series of pieces written in reaction to the 2016 presidential election.

Where do I begin? I had never actually considered that our nation would ever be in this current situation, but maybe that’s on me. I am at a loss for words. These results are unheard of and unprecedented to the fullest extent of the words. Donald Trump defied almost every poll estimation and every expert to achieve such an upset. I had been so confident in Hillary Clinton’s assured win that I neglected to even consider this new reality.

Not only does our nation face unparalleled uncertainty, but it is barreling towards inauguration day with increasing division. It has become abundantly clear that our nation’s population has crumbled into disgruntled groups, often rooted in demographics, with both sides too stubborn to work towards positive change. I feel that a great deal of politics is rooted in fear. Whether it be the fear mongering rhetoric that brought us to today’s state of the nation, or the intense, petrifying fear that others feel as they wake up on this historic day.

Regardless of your beliefs, President Obama made a tremendously insightful comment that brings peace to all people.  

“No matter what happens, the sun will rise in the morning, and America will still be the greatest nation on earth,” President Barack Obama said in a BuzzFeed News Live video Tuesday night.

This beautiful message will give me solace over the coming days after these stunning results. The American people have decidedly spoken, and we ultimately must respect that.

“Whether your chosen candidates win or lose tonight, let’s all agree not only to stay engaged but to push ourselves to do even better,” Obama continued.

This message must be heeded. Though we are all experiencing these results differently, we must swallow our pride and meet in the middle. We are not just the opinions and demographic votes that have been dissected for over a year, but we are Americans who must accept this new nation and prosper with the leadership that our fellow citizens have chosen.

I truly applaud each and every person that voted, fulfilling their civic duty. It is an absolute privilege to live in a nation that graces citizens in such a manner, though the electoral college continually seems to diminish the power of the people.

Now is the time for our nation’s introspection, and we must decide what America we want to see and how to move forward with the cards we have been dealt. In time, I hope the faith of the American people can be restored; a nation cannot survive without hope and unity at its core.