With the 2016 presidential election at an end with the unprecedented Trump win, the country is in social turmoil. This particular election was unlike any other, with neither of the two candidates fitting into the generic image of a Republican or Democrat. Arguably, the campaign drove the country apart with disapproval ratings at all time highs. More than 80 percent of Americans are “disgusted” by the election in general.

Some might say this election was characterized by unparalleled scandals that drew heavy criticism around both candidates, from Hillary Clinton’s email scandal to Donald Trump’s video making lewd comments about women.

Protests broke out all across the country after news of Trump’s victory came in the early hours Wednesday. People are angry about how Trump is elected after making Islamophobic, homophobic, misogynistic, racist, and ableist comments throughout his campaign, among others.

I am wholeheartedly one of those people. It’s hard to see the appeal of a candidate when he makes offensive remarks left and right. I’m not a Clinton supporter either; she’s not what the country needs to move forward and it’s hard for me to believe in her excuse of carelessness in handling classified information.

Regardless, the long, painful campaign has finally come to an end. Many may not be happy with the results, but Trump has been elected. It won’t do anything to be in denial, or incite violence in response. As much as I hate it, it’s done.

The focus of Americans should be on how to mend the rift this campaign has created in the country, how to unite a divided nation. Part of that is going to have to come from Trump; the hardest job for him now is to reach Clinton’s supporters and those that are strongly against them and convince them to collaborate with him despite many of the offensive, often unforgivable comments he has made.

For those that see themselves seething in rage for the next four years, I understand your fear and anger. For many, this is not the America that we know, the America that proudly upholds the First Amendment that provides for the freedoms that are so unique to this country. And for many parents, they struggle with explaining to their young children how someone who makes degrading comments about others became the president when kids are told not to.

But this is reality. America has spoken, and not with a light tone. This election will undoubtedly be one of the nation’s turning points, and it’s every American’s duty to see that it goes the right direction. That’s not going to happen if half the population ignores the outcome and spends their time protesting against the president elect.

Yes, Trump has issues. Many at that. However, it is the people’s job to keep its leaders in check, and that responsibility is vital. Our political leaders make executive decisions, but remember, Americans ultimately decide what direction America moves in. A single individual does not define an entire population.

With that being said, it’s okay and perfectly natural to be dissatisfied with this election and the outcome. It means you’re being a dutiful citizen by being involved. It means you’re human to feel outraged at derogatory talk.

But then you have to calm down, recollect yourself, and remember that you have the power to guide the country forward, not backward. After all, you can’t think about the future if you’re stuck brooding in the past.