As much of a cliche as it is, I am genuinely shocked and appalled at the results of the American Presidential Election.

I knew that the race was going to be messy, and I was worried, but I genuinely did not believe that Donald Trump would be our next president.

I am especially embarrassed and ashamed of my home state, North Carolina, which I hoped and expected to go blue.

Small counties of North Carolina are hearing chants of 'white power' and members of the KKK are gathering to assert their dominance.

That scares me.

I texted my mom early hours this morning and begged her not to allow my sister to go to school, because I am scared.

And I know I am not the only one. All morning and through last night I saw posts on my Facebook feed expressing concern for friends, family, and particularly for minorities and marginalised groups.

One of my friends posted a link and phone number for the suicide hotline, just in case.

That being said, in the hours following the announcement, I find myself in a unique space to reflect on the way that I have felt the past few weeks, how I felt last night as the results rolled in, and how I feel now.

I can't help but compare it to the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup game between Germany and Brazil.

In this scenario, Hillary Clinton is Brazil. Going into the election, (the game, if you will) a lot of people expected her to win. But then, there was a last minute setback in the FBI's reopening of the investigation into secretary Clinton's emails, i.e. Neymar's injury.

Her supporters remained hopeful, we had a strong candidate to rally behind, and a strong cause to believe in.

As the hours passed last night, we watched in shock as the worst case scenario unfolded in front of us. It was scary, it was angering, and it was frustrating.

Being a white woman, I have a privilege that so many do not who will be the most severely affected by a Donald Trump presidency.

For as long as I can remember, I have considered men and women to be no different. Why on earth couldn't I do something that a man can do if I am equally qualified.

The results of the election prove that the biggest mistake a candidate can make is being a woman. Regardless of the fact that Secretary Clinton is the most qualified candidate to ever run for american presidency, America voted for the man.

In this moment, I am scared, and I am appalled. I am scared for my friends that are minorities, I am scared for my state, I am scared for my family.

However, regardless of how I feel in this moment, I know that now is the time to unite and fight for the America that I believe in.

Hillary Clinton said in 2007: 'The worst thing that can happen in a democracy - as well as in an individual's life - is to become cynical about the future and lose hope.'

As hopeless as I feel in this moment, I know that is correct, and that our only option is to stay positive and fight for the America we know we deserve.

That seems to be the only option left.