On the morning after the unexpected election of Donald Trump in 2016, feeling disoriented and distressed, I laced up my shoes to go for what I thought would be my usual three and a half to four-mile run.
Instead of turning left towards home, I turned right towards the coast, adding at least three extra miles to my route. My mind was swirling over the implications of electing a man unfit for the presidency, so I decided to extend my run. I reached the edge of the continental United States at Sullivan’s Island, S.C., gazed briefly at the ocean, turned around, and ran back home. When I arrived back at my front porch, still feeling distressed, I repeated the six-and-a-half-mile loop. Back to the ocean, brief pause, then home.
After my Forrest Gump-like journey, double the longest run I’d ever done, I was exhausted enough to go inside, shower, and take a nap, hoping I would wake up from what I was sure was a nightmare.
Waking up to Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024, I didn’t go for a long run because I no longer run due to the strain it puts on my aging body. Now, I focus on weights, spinning, and yoga, and I feel better than before. The election result wasn’t surprising, and I didn’t need to process my shock.
James Fallows captures the sentiment well in his newsletter, highlighting how voters chose to bring Trump back despite knowing his flaws and failures.
Trump is a reflection of what the people want or think they want. There is widespread discontent, and the blame falls on the incumbent party. The challenges facing our country seem insurmountable, with little room for post-election analysis. The Senate failing to convict Trump after his incitement of an insurrection further highlights the erosion of democratic norms.
Where do we go from here? In 2016, I believed in focusing on strengthening our institutions to counteract the impact of an anti-democratic president. However, our institutions failed to rise to the occasion. The media struggled to cover Trump accurately, and social media’s influence on spreading misinformation is concerning.
Higher education also faltered, prioritizing financial gain over democratic values. Institutions brought students back to campus during a pandemic for profit, betraying their mission. The shift towards top-down administration undermines the collaborative spirit of higher education.
Despite these challenges, I believe in focusing on the work rooted in our values and meaningful contributions to our communities. It’s essential to align our actions with our values and prioritize the tasks that enhance the potential of those around us.
Reflecting on the disparity between our job responsibilities and our true work can lead to transformative change. By realigning our actions with our values, we can make a positive impact on our communities.
For me, the work lies in helping students develop their writing skills in a way that fosters self-expression and community engagement. By altering traditional teaching methods, I saw a significant improvement in student engagement and learning outcomes.
Despite the distress caused by the election results, focusing on the work gives me a sense of purpose and empowerment. It may not be a complete solution, but it’s a starting point for moving forward.