A collection of staff and students shared personal experiences, stories and frustrations regarding the 2024 election results to connect with one another during the Post-Election Reflections event held last Thursday. 

The event was held as part of a series called “Dialogue and Difference.” An initiative organized by The Division of People, Culture and Belonging, the School of Peace and Conflict Studies and the Division of Student Life to help the Kent State community better understand one another. 

Jacquelyn Bleak, an associate lecturer in the School of Peace and Conflict Studies, hosted the event and facilitated discussions.

“I am really excited in hearing your [students and staff] perspectives and learning from you,” Bleak said. “I was not expecting this big of a turnout, and the fact you’re spending the last hour of the day with me means a lot.”

At the start of discussions, attendees explained why they participated in the event. Responses include building and finding community, staying productive, connecting with others and hearing other opinions. 

The discussion moved on to sharing general thoughts, and asking for advice related to current circumstances and feelings.

One concern brought up was the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and how it might be difficult to spend time with family members who have differing political opinions. Bleak said the best solution is to prioritize self-care and find a support system that works for you. 

“Not to speak for other folks, but regardless of politics, when we return home many of us are reminded of the reason we left home in the first place,” Bleak said. “You do have a choice, and if the choice is in order to stay safer [you] can’t interact with this person, you’re entitled to that.” 

Another student wondered how to be a support group for others even though you may not share the same experiences. Attendees concluded the best way to help others is to first take care of yourself. 

The discussion also brought up the complexity of emotions people are feeling right now. 

“There are some folks that are incredibly fearful, there are some that are anxious, and sometimes anxiety also feels similar to excitement and it’s difficult to tell which,” Bleak said. “We’re also still reacting and still in the throes of this week because originally when we planned this we were under the impression we wouldn’t have the results by now.” 

Conversations began to pick up steam when an attendee brought up preemptive anxiety and possible worst case scenarios. Explaining that while it’s okay to be afraid, nothing has happened yet in the moment. 

“Sometimes we need a reminder because we react as if those things happened; we assume the worst case scenario,” Bleak said. “Recognizing the tricks that our brain plays on us can be helpful, so that we can keep our feet on the ground.”

Conversations continued, discussing the importance of chosen family, the difficulties of keeping the peace and tolerating biological family. 

To cap off discussions, Bleak said always remember to think of the “glimmers” in life to remind yourself of why you get out of bed every morning. 

“There’s this idea that the world’s a bad place, and there’s a lot of terrible things happening,” she said. “But the reality is there’s a lot of opportunities to be reminded why we should stay.” 

John Engoglia is a beat reporter, contact him at [email protected].