I thought that Hillary winning the Presidential election would change my life. As it turns out, Hillary losing the election did, and, for that, I want to thank her.

Thank you, Secretary Clinton, for demonstrating a genuine dedication to the service of others.

Thank you for fighting injustice with love and optimism, dispelling the power of hatred and fear.

Thank you for being the face of compromise, bipartisanship, and unity.

Thank you for prioritizing tangible policy changes instead of empty promises.

Thank you for exhibiting the utmost class and honor in the face of sexism, lies, and disrespect.

Thank you for never wavering on your convictions, for standing true and proud, especially in the fight for reproductive rights.

Thank you for reminding young girls each and every day that nothing and no one can hold them back.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to cast my first ballot in a presidential election not only for a woman but for one of the most qualified candidates ever to run.

Thank you for being imperfect, exhibiting humanity, playing to your strengths, and tirelessly working to overcome your weaknesses.

Thank you, Secretary Clinton, for losing the Presidential election and showing us all how much work there is left to do; for igniting within me and so many others a fire and a passion; for being our leader though you may not bear the title.

I understand frustration with the system, I understand fear of corruption, and I understand the desire for representation; but, in white America’s social experiment that is this presidency, how many Americans will have to lose health insurance? How many women will be forced into dangerous back alley abortions? How many hard-working immigrants will have to walk our streets with fear? How many victims of sexual assault will have to go without vindication? How many marriages, filled with love and passion and partnership, will be outlawed? How many girls will continue to feel unworthy, undeserving, and inadequate?

It is true that Mr. Trump has yet to officially incite the aforementioned atrocities, but I find it heartbreaking that we are all praying for our President-Elect not to live up to any of his promises. Most leaders are criticized when they fail to deliver on platform points during their term, but Mr. Trump will be praised.

It is now that I say I am truly and honestly rooting for you, Mr. Trump. A desire for you to fail out of bitterness and spite is not worth the pain and consequence that could follow such failure. However, as I wish you well, I will not cease to advocate for the beliefs and rights that will always align me with Her. I will not concede that your international representation of my country is a representation of the global citizen I intend to be. I will, like you, fight to make America great, though our definitions vastly differ.