Let’s be clear about something: this is not going to be a piece about politics.

Yes, political arguments have their place. We understand that in any election, especially such a tumultuous one as the 2016 election has been, people feel as if they are either a winner or a loser.

We get that. It’s okay. But as a country, we must decide to move forward, together.

Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States, and it is as fruitless for Hillary Clinton’s supporters to spend their time refusing to accept this as it is Trump supporters to spend their time lauding the win over Hillary fans. The time for divisions has passed, and the time for unity has come.

Let’s help support our new president, even if he was not your first choice. A force of unity behind Trump is much more powerful than a still-divided country, which would signal concern to the foreign nations watching the United States currently.

Yes, Trump has flaws, as did every candidate in this election, and most likely every other political candidate who has run or will run. However, he deserves the chance to prove his policy and his ideas during his term with a country that recognizes his presidency.

If you lament the political system or didn’t like the results, don’t just stand by and complain. Get involved in the next election: become informed on the issues, volunteer for the candidate or political party you support in the next election, or even run for office yourself one day. Remember that there is more to politics than the president, and that state and local elections can affect you just as much as who controls the Oval Office.

What makes America great is our freedom, our democracy. In times like these, it’s easy to forget how lucky we are; yes, Canada is great, but let’s not give up on the ideals our founding fathers founded this country on because of one presidential election.

It’s not time for sulking or gloating. Regardless of personal wishes or what-ifs, Donald Trump will be the 45th President of the United States. It’s time to put partisan feelings aside and accept that.