I was 11 when Trump became president. Here’s what I’ve learned

On Jan. 20, 2017, I was three months away from turning 12, and the Trump presidency was beginning. During this period, I have learned that it can always get worse. Every time I thought President Trump couldn’t get worse, he somehow one-upped himself, from doing nothing about bounties on American soldiers’ heads, to violently clearing peaceful protesters for a photo op, to inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6, when I was three months away from turning 16.

I am angry. A mob of armed Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building. Terrorized members of Congress. Endangered the lives of the next three people in line for the presidency. In other words, they attacked the American government, led an insurrection, committed treason and terrorism in the name of the president, for the president, with the encouragement of the president.

I’m sad. Five people lost their lives because of this insurrection. I am saddened by the loss of these lives, knowing all these deaths could have been avoided.

I’m offended. One of the most important buildings in this country was violated, therefore this country has been violated, therefore its people have been violated — and therefore, I have been violated. There was the Confederate flag, the biggest symbol of treason and racism I can think of, waving around in the Capitol building. I’m not going to lie, I cried — several times. There was also a gallows and a noose; apparently, the Confederate flag did not drive home the racism enough.

I’m uncomfortable with how comfortable they were. It was as if they claimed sanctuary on the same land they just terrorized. And you know what, I can’t even blame them. This doesn’t reflect on them, but on the society they live in.

I’m shocked, but not surprised. It felt like watching a Channing Tatum movie. With that said, it made sense, it fits the timeline. This was the next installment of the

Trump saga. We all saw it coming but wanted to see if it would really happen.

I’m sorry. There are very few things I hate more than manipulation. And I can’t help but feel sorry for all the people who believe anything Donald Trump says to them is true. They were lied to just for his personal gain. He and his comrades preyed on their vulnerability, then used them to abuse and attack this country’s democracy.

I’m scared. Where do we go from here? Now that he has left office, his supporters will still be here. The conspiracy theories, the ignorance, the racism, the antisemitism, all of the isms will still be here.

I’m hopeful. I want this country to get better, but that must start with his people. All I ask is self-reflection, accountability, a little bit of shame, a pinch of guilt and regret and two shots of self-awareness. You need to realize that you had a part in this. Once you admit and accept that, we can begin to heal. After four years, what I learned:

■ My criticisms of the United States do not come from hate, but love; like a parent, I’m not mad, just disappointed.

■ Me, a 15-year-old girl, can watch over 12 continuous hours of news, for fun.

■ Manic is not only a great album by Halsey but is also a tremendous way to describe the former president of the United States.

■ The president can incite an insurrection and say he loves the people who just fought against the country that he swore to protect, and somehow, people would still vote for him if the election was the next day.

■ The hardest one to admit is my dad was right. When my mom and I used to watch Celebrity Apprentice, my dad would walk into the room and talk about how terrible of a person Donald Trump is. Now, I get it.

■ Lastly, hope can be restored.