The atmosphere at Columbia after the election took a noticeable turn toward quiet reflection and subtle unease. Just the week before, campus was buzzing with Halloween festivities and spirited Homecoming ce
lebrations. But after November 5, a palpable sense of contemplation, uncertainty, and disappointment pervaded campus.
For many students, the election results have been tough to process. Conversations seem more tentative as students wrestle with complex emotions and attempt to make sense of the results. There’s a shared need for answers and closure, particularly around Kamala Harris’ loss, as people wonder what went wrong in the election and how Trump’s presidency might impact their futures. Students who were vocal about their expectations for the Democratic campaign are now reflecting on the party’s broader strategy, searching for understanding amid disappointment.
Professors have also taken a noticeably supportive stance, acknowledging the election’s impact on their students. In the days after the election, many offered words of encouragement and extended their availability, telling students that their doors were open for anyone who may need support. It was a unique moment where academic needs were superseded by the impact of a national event.
On social media, Columbia students expressed their frustrations and anger, solidarity, and reflections. Students made lengthy and impassioned posts, often condemning anyone who voted for Trump. Many students have repeated a common idea: somehow, America chose a convicted felon for president before a woman. For some, this reality stings, magnifying what they see as an ingrained societal barrier against women and minority candidates.
In some ways, the mood was similar to the aftermath of the 2016 election, though there were key differences. Then, the shock was accompanied by a defiant energy among the left—a sentiment that Americans could rally, resist, and push for change. This time, the response felt more somber, as many were left wondering what the rightward shift in this election meant for our cultural values and the future of American democracy. As the New York Times headline read the day after the election, “America Hires a Strongman.” The subheading? “This was a conquering of the nation not by force but with a permission slip.”
This time, the blow felt especially sharp with Trump’s victory in all seven swing states, the electoral college, and the popular vote. For students who believed their voices represented the values of a modern America, the election results felt like a betrayal of their hopes for progressive change.
In spite of these anxieties, we must not forget that democracy is resilient and dynamic. Every setback is an opportunity to regroup and reevaluate. It’s okay to feel discouraged, even defeated, but the fight for a better tomorrow isn’t lost—instead, it must come back stronger.
Mr. Patel is a sophomore at SEAS studying biomedical engineering. He is a staff writer for Sundial.