Getting home from work on Nov. 8 will be a moment in my life that will forever impact my outlook on society.

The election put a lot of weight on my shoulders. In reporting on the election, the media took attention off policy and allowed the gaze of America to rest on social issues, like race.

Specifically on Mexicans. When I first heard President-elect Donald Trump say that people coming from Mexico were nothing but rapists and gangsters I was in shock.

How could a presidential candidate say these things about a specific race? How could someone like him win the presidency?

I never thought it was possible until it actually happened. As a 20-year-old Mexican from the east side of San Jose, it hurt to know Trump won.

I found myself questioning how Mexicans, and even all minorities for that matter could progress in society under a president that openly criticizes us. His whole campaign had people crying out for the U.S. to “build the wall,” to keep the unsavory “others” out.

The hate that Trumps has built up can not continue, I feel that it will not be the final message.

The vitriol has shown us how society really feels. It’s a reality check for a lot of us. What is difficult about Trump’s victory is that the fringe alt-right now has representation on a national level. Trump represents a disenfranchised working class’ anger and racism.

I have family who came from Mexico, and I know they are not what Trump has painted them to be. My grandma called me after it was announced that Trump won the presidency and told me that this is why we needed more Mexicans to speak out and work to become leaders in society.

She gave me a new sense of focus and purpose. Instead of only focusing on the negatives, we need to continue stepping up and voicing our opinions.

This is a reason for unifying. Mexcian people are strong, hardworking and loving; many beautiful things that Trumps has failed to mention. Racism still exists: We need to continue fighting for progress and using our voice to bring to light the many inequalities and stereotypes Mexicans go through on a daily basis.

The good fight is not over and I know that we will unify. It starts with looking at ourselves in the mirror and living with a new sense of purpose.

We need to be the voice of change we wish to see.

This is bigger than any individual and I have hope that Mexicans will break these stereotypes and continue being voices of change.

Love always trumps hate.