Last year, when President Trump was taking office, we asked our Lion’s Roar staff how they felt the next four years for America may pan out.  Now at the end of Trump’s first year in office, the staff reflect on how their opinions of our president and American politics have changed in the past year.

Photographer, Ashley Weiss: “Since Trump is in office, I believe that the racial tensions in America are going to increase. Also [I believe] that women are going to become less and less relevant.”

Arts and Entertainment Editor, Mindy Nguyen: “My opinion from last year hasn’t changed; I still believe that Trump is going to have a problem listening to the American people and acting upon their needs.”

Editor-in-Chief, Laura Madler: “In past years, everything in politics seemed ‘normal,’ but now when you look at the news nothing seems like it’s normal anymore. Since the election happened, it is hard to tell what is ‘normal’ for America anymore. The world feels like it has become a bit of a warped reality- and sometimes you can’t help but wonder how everything would be if the election had turned out the other way.”

Club and Activities Editor, Kelly Ritenour: “I’m scared for the future because I don’t  think that Trump is a very good leader, and he can’t conduct himself well. I believe that we’re going to have a lot of issues and tensions with North Korea. I’m not really sure what’s going to happen, but I don’t think it’s going to be good.”

Journalism One, Karina Mendez: “I personally didn’t like Trump before he got into office, but I believe that he is going to create a lot of chaos by increasing the racial tension.”

Journalism One, Marieme Niang: “Honestly I think it’s going to be the same from now on- maybe a few more political issues and more Muslim travel bans will go into effect. I also think that immigration will be more difficult for the people that want to come into our country.”

As for me, I believe that America is going to become more a lot chaotic throughout the year. I believe that we are going to have an increase in racial tensions, and that women are going to have to continue to fight for relevancy. At times when it seems like things are going to get better, we end up bouncing right back to the bottom. However, I hope that things will get better for America, and we can learn to become more open-minded.