Student Feature: BHSEC Students on the Presidential Election

Jayna Rohslau, 22’

What were your thoughts or predictions prior to the election?

“I think I predicted a trump win before the election because of how he has managed to win despite the polls and popular vote in the past. I think I also didn’t want to get my hopes up and then be disappointed.” -Harriet Chessum, 10th grade

“In stats class we took a look at the probability of Biden winning the election (which was 9/10). It was hard to see that and not get excited...even when we all know what happened with Hillary in 2016. I think for that reason, I tried not to get my hopes up. I had done some phone banking in Georgia, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people had already voted for Biden. I would say that prior to the election, I believed that Biden would win but not by as much of a landslide as the polls predicted.” -Eva Kellner, Y2

“I was hoping that Biden would win, but I wasn’t sure he was going to.” -Ryan Lamendola, 9th grade

“My thoughts prior to the election were that Biden would actually have a more standing chance in the states that are currently Trump based like Georgia, Florida, and Texas. I thought this mainly because in the past few months I have seen so many people on social media posting disasters and tragedies that have taken place, which I believed would impact the election. For example, Trump showed no sympathy and support for the killings of POC and LGBTQ fans, which I thought would lead people to vote against him.” - Brianna Previllon, 10th grade.

“I thought Biden would win, but I was really worried he wouldn’t.” - Lucy Regnier-Kline, Y1

What are you thinking about as the election’s results come in?

“Now that the results are coming in, I think Biden will win more, but I’m still unsure right now.” -Ryan Lamendola, 9th grade

“I guess my say on this in general is that social media is a very scary place during the election. On election day, there were many threats circulating online, which makes me wonder why America has become this way. The country seems slightly unsafe, which baffles me.” -Noe Garcia-Bravo, Y1

“I have a little more hope as the results come in. I still think Trump has a chance, especially with all the lawsuits and uncertainty in Pennsylvania, but the scrambling Republican party is likely a good sign that they are losing the election. But this being such a long race makes it incredibly stressful.” -Harriet Chessum, 10th grade

“I was frustrated last night when Biden didn’t win Florida because I thought he could do it. When the polls first began closing in NC and Ohio, I was excited to see that they were very blue, but as time passed by, they became more red. As a result, I went to bed very nervous to see what I was going to wake up to. The great news is that Arizona looks like it has gone to Biden and Wisconsin/Michigan are looking good as well (not to mention that Georgia is nearly 50/50). I think Biden can win the election because of all of the absentee ballots left, which are predicted to go Democrat! This is all to say that I will remain optimistic because it’s not over until it’s over :)”  -Eva Kellner, Y2

“I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of local politics. I’ve been thinking about communities and how important they are, and how I can affect them even when I don’t have control over who the president is.” -Kai-lin Kwek-Rupp, Y1

How do you feel about the outcome of the election?

“It’s a huge relief. There has been a weight on my shoulders for the past four years and it has finally been lifted. I guess I’m still in disbelief that this nightmare is over too.” -Harriet Chessum, 10th grade

“I’m ecstatic! This is a great step forward for our country. Now it’s time to make change!” -Eva Kellner, Y2

“I am having so many reactions to the results, but they are all positive. All I can think to myself is that it is about time! While we already knew that Biden was gonna win since several of the swing states turned blue, I am still so happy that he has won not just for America, but for WOMEN and POC because Kamala Harris is the first for both! Also, it shows that something good could happen even in 2020. I am a bit scared of what might happen post election due to the uncertainty of how Trump supporters will react, but at this moment I don’t care!” -Briana Previllion, 10th grade

“I am very relieved by the results of the election. And at this moment I am at an impromptu neighborhood party.” -Lucy Regnier-Kline, Y1

“The outcome of the election had me so relieved. As I’m not very political, I was viewing the election as deciding the fate of the environment, particularly with climate change. For years we’ve seen Trump do everything in his power to increase oil production and remove climate protections in hopes of growing the economy. But, Biden hopes to achieve environmental justice and impose higher taxes on the wealthy. This will create a more inclusive and sustainable environment. So, maybe it’s not game over for the degrading environment after all!” -Noe Garcia-Bravo, Y1