I Was a First-Time Voter, and I Still Have Hope Despite the Election Outcome

I'm a first-time voter in a presidential election, and I never expected things to go this way.

I remember watching the 2009 inauguration, when I was in eighth grade, in my small classroom of 30 students, amazed as history manifested itself right before our eyes. President Barack Obama, our first black president, was sworn into office, and even as a 13-year-old, I held my breath in rapture as I listened to his inaugural address. I don't think I entirely understood the significance of that day or the grueling steps it took to reach it, but I understood that voters put this man in the White House and one day I would become one of them. I wanted to one day tell my children who I voted for with pride.

During the 2012 election, while I still could not vote, I decided to volunteer at my local polling place so that I could be a part of the process. I learned what it means to take an election seriously from my fellow poll workers, who had seen their fair share of presidential candidates. We worked together for 12 hours, accepting ballots and assisting voters with their needs. I could better appreciate the dedication of citizens all around the country, helping to make our democratic system function effectively. Once again, I felt the flame of political participation burn within me. I knew then that performing my civic duty and casting my vote would always become a priority for me.

Flash forward to four years later. I don't think 13-year-old me could have ever predicted the type of election America has had in 2016. Through the months leading up to the election we saw contention and division between parties like never before, and I knew that my vote (and voice) mattered now more than ever. After years of waiting, I finally had the chance to vote in my first presidential election. I was giddy with anticipation as I received my absentee ballot in the mail. I filled in each individual bubble with a sense of empowerment and pride that accompanies making such decisions. I got to vote for the candidate of my choice, Hillary Rodham Clinton. I watched Election Day coverage with a new fascination, knowing that my own ballot was being counted. I felt my heart sink when it became clear that she would not come out ahead. As a first-time voter in a presidential election, this mattered more to me than ever because my heart and soul were in that ballot, along with my dreams for America's future. However, while Hillary may not have been elected our next president, I have no regrets about my first time voting.

I still have hope for this country and an appreciation for my ability to have a say in the government on national and state levels. I made sure that I was educated on the candidates' stances. I decided where I stood on the issues and trained my focus on what matters most to me. Of course I am disappointed with the outcome, but I will continue to fill out a ballot for as long as I am able. I would never dream of throwing away my opportunity to be a part of this system. If nothing else, I have learned more about who I am and what I'm willing to continue fighting for, and that has made all the difference.