On Saturday, Jan. 21, the day after our 45th president was inaugurated, I joined over 500,000 people in Washington, D.C. to march in solidarity for women’s rights. The Women’s March spanned all 50 states of the US, as well as over 70 countries around the world. In D.C., although the original protest organizers had a permit for 200,000 people, over twice that number showed up to have their voices heard regarding Donald Trump’s policy intentions, which alienate people of color, undocumented immigrants, women, the LGBTQ+ community and virtually any other group of people that is not white, male and reasonably wealthy.

I was devastated by Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton, not because I loved Clinton as a candidate, but because Trump – though I genuinely don’t think he believes half of the words that come out of his mouth – has riled up a kind of ugly in this country that makes me so fearful for the future.

In the wake of the Obama Administration leaving, I found myself at a loss. Regardless of political aims, the Obama family undeniably showed the entire nation what class, intellect, grace, style and respectability looked like. They are a stunning example of what can be accomplished with hard work.

Barack and Michelle came from the South Side of Chicago and managed to become Harvard educated, well-spoken and brilliant leaders despite having all of the odds stacked against them. Michelle is the second most educated First Lady (after Hillary Clinton), and has done more – in my opinion – for this country than almost any First Lady in history. The Obamas have raised their children in an environment full of love and hope and respect, regardless of the death and rape threats pelted at their family throughout all eight years of Barack’s presidency. The hatred received from all sides during the Obama Administration, at many times without reason, that has been met with nothing but quiet dignity serves as a testament to how much this First Family loves the United States. The Obamas are, above all, a champion of the people.

It is safe to say that I cried a lot on Friday.

A world without my president – a phrase I never thought I would use, past or future – that has been replaced by one so full of anger and fear is a world I don’t want to be a part of, and until Saturday I was (and truly, there is no other word) devastated.

But this march has restored my faith in so many things.

Over half a million people from all around the world attended the D.C. rally. Over 250,000 people attended a sister march in New York City. Over 175,000 people attended one in Boston. Over 80,000 people attended one in, even in London. All around the world marches took place that made me realize that we don’t have to let the world become this awful place Trump wants it to be.

When I got to the Metro Station in Falls Church, the line to get onto the platform curved all the way around the station and into a nearby neighborhood. D.C. Metro tweeted that travel to the march was more than three times as large as regular workday commutes. This became evident very soon, as I had to squeeze into a single Metro car with an absurd amount of people in vagina hats.

Upon entering D.C. I exited the Metro, only to be met with crowds so large they backed up the entire march route, causing it to be rerouted. The original estimate of people had increased so dramatically that protesters were perching in trees, bushes and on top of parked vehicles to get a good look at what was going on. So many vibrant women spoke and called us to action, and a few men took the stage as well, among them a rapper who stated that he was marching because, “It is because of our women that I am a man.”

Among the speakers were America Ferrera, Gloria Steinem, Michael Moore, Ashley Judd, Scarlett Johansson, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Maryum Ali and Malcolm X’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz. After their speeches, we were surprised by appearances by Alicia Keys – my role model since the age of 7 – Janelle Monae, Amy Schumer and Madonna.

The march to the White House began at 2:00 p.m. Collectively, half a million people chanted and laughed and loved their way to Pennsylvania Avenue, where a lawn party of sorts was taking place. At the end of the march route, thousands of people remained, talking to news reporters, smoking cigarettes, petting dogs and taking pictures of other people’s posters.

Over three million people worldwide marched for women’s rights and the advancement of marginalized and minority groups on Saturday. I have never been more proud or more hopeful.