“Are we going to be safe?”
“What happens next?”
“How did he win?”
These are just a select few questions students and faculty were heard grappling with the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 6, following President Donald J. Trump’s reelection. Although Oracle reporters observed mostly negative reactions, indicating dissatisfaction with the outcome, the publication explored differing political perspectives in a separate feature.
Students embraced with teary eyes and vigorous conversation took place in the courtyard following Trump’s victory. Senior Allie Yang recounted these interactions, which she said caused the election’s results to sink in for her.
“I saw a lot of tears and people hugging each other and trying to console each other,” Yang said. “I definitely think, going in [to school], the weight of it really settled on me.”
Upper School Director Maggie Cenan sent an email to the upper school offering support in the potentially tumultuous wake of Tuesday’s election.
“With the election result being called early this morning, we want to remind you that Archer is here to support you,” Cenan wrote. “We understand that the election may bring up a variety of emotions, and we’ve organized multiple opportunities and spaces for you to process, reflect, and discuss together.”
Support offerings included art activities in the courtyard and art room, counseling support from school counselors Erica Green and Lauren Carrington, journaling in room 248 and space for processing in the Dean Hub. Cenan wrote that taking time to process the results of the election is crucial.
“Remember, it is important to take time to reflect and connect with each other,” Cenan wrote. “Your mentor, teachers, deans and I are here to support you.”
In classes Nov. 6, some teachers opted to address the election and its weight on many students. Kareena Desai (’30) expressed gratitude for the support of her teachers following the results while they, too, are processing.
“Your fellow students, or your faculty and your classes … everybody is just trying to process it and going through it right now,” Desai said. “The teachers have been really supportive. We all had a chance to talk about it in class, and it really helped us feel better.”
While she said she appreciates Archer’s resources for support during this time, Desai said little is helping to eliminate her frustration over a second Trump presidency.
“I felt like [the election] was really unfair,” Desai said. “I felt a little sad and mad that America can’t just accept a woman president when so many other countries have already.”
Yang said, in light of the thick grief permeating throughout campus Nov. 6, it is imperative to remain hopeful for the future of the country.
“This country is the greatest one in the world, in my opinion,” Yang said. “No one has to believe that, especially in the current circumstances, but I just think it’s going to be more productive for people to have hope and to use that hope as the fuel for whatever change you’re trying to make, instead of having it be so vitriolic.”
Additional reporting completed by Voices Editor Lucy Williams (’25).
