Opinion

Students share their thoughts on the results of the presidential election

By Union Staff • November 11, 2024

Flags representing the US and California fly on a pole in front of the Administration Building at El Camino College on Friday, Sept. 27. (Greg Fontanilla | The Union)

Students at El Camino College are reacting to the presidential election results that led to former President Donald Trump being re-elected into office for the second time.

The president-elect will become the second president in American history to serve a second non-consecutive term. The last U.S. president to achieve this feat was Grover Cleveland, who served as the 22nd and 24th president.

The Union gained insight from the students, who were a few of many people across the nation who voiced their reactions on the results. Students were asked how they think it will impact the next four years and beyond.

Bayne Jackson, 19, a computer science major at ECC states that his girlfriend is scared for Donald Trumps policies as they can negatively affect her.(Nick Miller | The Union)

Bayne Jackson, 19, a computer science major, expressed disappointment with the election results, as he said Trump’s LGBTQ+ protection policies will affect his partner.

“I think it is kind of a bummer that Trump won and for me, my girlfriend, who is the most important person in the world to me, is transgender,” Jackson said. “I think a lot of his policies will really negatively affect her.”

In addition, President-elect Trump has vowed to deport undocumented immigrants, as part of his deportation plan.

Radiology major Jamie Jules, 19, said the president-elect’s plan will affect her family.

Jamie Jules, 19, Radiology — Jamie Jules, 19, a radiology major states that as someone who comes from a migrant family, she fears for her family and what could happen to them.(Camila Jimenez | The Union)

“I was more into Kamala Harris, mainly because my family are immigrants – with Trump elected, he’s going to deport immigrants,” Jules said. “I don’t want to get deported, this [California] is the only place I’ve known.”

Citlali Lina ,18, who is also majoring in radiology, echoed the same sentiment.

Citlali Lina, 18, Radiology — Citlali Lina, 18, radiology major said she is concerned for the president’s future plans of a mass deportation because of the impact they can have on her family.(Camila Jimenez | The Union)

“I’m concerned for my future, because Trump wants to do a huge mass deportation and it’s scary because it can affect me, my parents and my siblings,” Lina said.

Other students feel conflicted as to what will come of the election results, feeling as there would be a lack of economic benefit, regardless of who was elected.

Ranya Ghazal, 17, Biology — Ranya Ghazal, 17, a biology major states that she is concerned, as a woman, about what kind of policies Donald Trump could be enacting that could take away her basic rights.(Camila Jimenez | The Union)

Biology major Ranya Ghazal, 17, said she was not pleased with the presidential candidates.

“Honestly, looking at it I don’t think I really liked any of the two candidates,” Ghazal said.“I feel like a lot of people with certain issues with policies were not addressed by both candidates.”

Students who were in favor of current Vice President Kamala Harris were disappointed she lost the presidential race.