It’s been over a month since the 2024 presidential election, and the results of it have prompted a range of reactions from people all across the country. The perspectives of young people in our society often get overlooked, especially youth from marginalized communities. Academy for Young Writers, a school where the majority of the student population are people of color, consists of students with a wide range of opinions and feelings about the recent election.
A recent survey was conducted among The Writers Weekly and some students outside of the newspaper staff to hear their thoughts about the election. Firstly, they were asked about what emotion they are feeling towards the results of the election. Many students expressed their indifference and uncertainty about the future.
Junior Marqus Glover said, “I’m neutral because I was never a real fan of politics and I have no opinion on it. As long as it doesn’t affect me then I’m fine.”
Similarly, Senior Isaiah Davis said, “I chose neutral because I don’t really know what might happen in the future.”
Other students voiced their unhappiness and disappointment about what lies ahead, generally due to our soon-to-be president, Donald Trump and his plans.
Junior Zakayla Tyson said, “I’m feeling sad about the election mostly because I’m having mixed feelings about what will change or stay the same in America, also because I feel like Kamala felt defeated and seeing her sad made me feel bad for her.”
Students were also asked how the election results are affecting their outlook on the future. Two options (less hopeful about the future, no effect on my outlook) received an equal amount of responses, reflecting an even mix of opinions among students. However, some students chose to say that they are feeling more hopeful about the future.
The survey not only garnered students’ feelings about the results of the election, but also their concerns and interests about the proposed plans of our newly elected president. Some issues that students brought up were abortion rights, deportation, higher tariffs, and Project 2025.
Junior Josiah Deliotte said, “Reproductive rights to abortion concern me because I have aunts, cousins, brothers, and even for myself. These abortions rights don’t just affect potential mothers, but fathers too. One mistake could be life changing for the worst. I also believe project 2025 is concerning as well.”
Many students expressed uncertainty about how the election results will affect their future, while others stated how their community could be affected substantially. Some also stated that they believe their community will be affected slightly or not at all.
Senior Joanne Beckford said, “Our economy could be worse and communities could feel like they’re at risk for loss of rights.”
Junior Sariya Brooks said, “I don’t really know, I mean I know but not enough to really say, it’s just bits and pieces of everything negative, not one positive about Trump besides him maybe lowering gas prices.”
According to the Washington Post, the voter turnout in New York in 2024 was lower than it was in the 2020 presidential election. Students were asked whether or not they believe people should vote more. A majority of them said yes. They argued that people’s votes matter, and that who you vote for can help. On the other hand, a few students argued that people shouldn’t vote more.
Junior Sarah Yisrael, one of the few who said no, said, “If people want to vote they can, if they don’t, they don’t have to.
Junior Kervin Jean, a part of the majority of students who said yes, said, “People should vote more because the people running our country impact our lives every day, positively or negatively, and we are the ones that choose how our lives are impacted with who we vote for.”
The students of our school community come from similar backgrounds but have differing perspectives on how the election will or is affecting us. Nonetheless, many people share similar beliefs while coming from differing backgrounds. Whatever is to come in the future might affect our community in a big way or a small way, but regardless, our voices still need to be heard.