Make Them Tell You No
Reflections on Trump's Inauguration and Personal Conviction
As I listened to President Trump’s inauguration address today, I grappled with a mix of emotions: hope, skepticism, and cautious optimism that the words spoken might become reality. The speech was filled with bold declarations, lofty ambitions, and an invitation to believe again in America’s potential. But for me, it was more than just a political moment—it was a call to reflect on perseverance, purpose, and the human spirit.
Trump’s statement, “My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier,” struck a chord. Whether or not one believes it’s achievable, the sentiment is compelling. For a nation fractured by division, unity feels like a breath of fresh air. When he spoke of ambition as the lifeblood of a great country and celebrated the indomitable American spirit, it reminded me of something fundamental to success: belief in the impossible.
“In America, the impossible is what we do best,” he said.
Those words reminded me of a lesson early in my career: "Make them tell you no." This mantra has echoed throughout my life and shaped my journey from working as an intelligence analyst to pursuing a nursing degree. If you believe in yourself and are willing to fight for what matters, you’ll find the strength to endure even when others doubt you.
There’s a distinct difference between believing in yourself and convincing others to believe in you. I’ve learned that the loudest “no” often comes from within. Yet, it’s so much harder to maintain conviction when those around you feed your doubts.
Imagine this: You’re excited about a new opportunity, whether it’s applying to a program, pursuing a career shift, or chasing a long-held dream. You share your enthusiasm, only to hear a list of reasons it won’t work. “You’ll never get in.” “You’re too late to start over.” “Why even bother?” These comments chip away at your resolve. But what if you didn’t let them? What if you instead embraced the “Make them tell you no” mindset and acted anyway?
During my nursing school orientation, I received a note from an alumni member: “Make sure you always have a seat at the table; if not, bring your own.” It perfectly echoes what I’ve learned: success isn’t about waiting for permission but taking your shot, regardless of the odds.
Words That Matter
As Trump’s inauguration invocations began, phrases like “serve citizens with compassion and integrity” and “pair progress with purpose” stood out. These aren’t just words for leaders; they’re guiding principles for all of us. It takes strength to endure, clarity to see through uncertainty, and courage to move forward.
And yet, the cynic in me can’t help but wonder: Will these words hold true? Will they shape policy, action, and a nation’s future? Or will they fade like so many political promises before them? I’m choosing to hope. I hope the promise to unify and bring peace won’t just be rhetoric. I hope these invocations of progress and compassion will be more than fleeting ideals.
I want to believe in the America described in today’s speech—a nation that embraces ambition, lifts one another, and fulfills its promises. A nation that turns vision into action and rhetoric into reality. For all my skepticism, I’m holding onto the possibility that Trump’s legacy might genuinely be one of peace and unity. Because at the end of the day, whether you’re a nurse, an analyst, a veteran, or a leader of the free world, belief—paired with action—is a powerful force.
We all have a role to play in shaping that legacy. Let’s start by believing in the impossible, showing up with our own seats when needed, and refusing to let anyone tell us what we can’t achieve. Because if we’re willing to take the shot, even the smallest act of faith can make the biggest difference.
Emalee Mahr is a former intelligence professional who has supported kinetic operations worldwide. She’s also a former Arabic linguist and speaks Arabic better than GCV speaks Pashto.
I don't see even a remote effort at unity. I say this as a NJ boy who was born in Paterson, went to HS in Passaic and art school in Newark. These are all majority minority cities now and all experienced riots in the mid 1960s.
So it is that the president wants to force schools to whitewash our history of slavery. Conservatives were outraged at the 1619 project and crafted an alternate vision via their project 1776 which iwas nothing more than an attempt to avoid the implications of slavery.
The 1619 project was a reminder about how slavery impacted far more than just the big plantations. Thus is NJ during the colonial era we had laws that limited the travel of slaves (also of Indians) without a pass - this is similar to what the law was in the South. Even after the US became a nation, in NJ you would see ads in newspapers offering a reward for an escaped slave. NJ had slaves in small numbers up until 1865.
For some reason this annoyed conservatives and the new executive order wants to force the states not to discuss it. But how do you teach about this period? And what about those descended from slaves, so most African Americans and many from the Caribbean.
I have watched the BS about unity - so if Obama told us some folks were not happy about the status quo he was a divider. The BS continues.
*** Addendum. I do not think that this writer's hope for unity is BS. Sorry that was not my intention. I worry that one party has found it easy to say that an honest complaint or observation hurts American unity but that lying about our past enhances unity.
Yes, that was a great piece and I, too, would love to believe Trump could be a Unifier but I know better. His policies don't reflect that. When he talks about how immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country" and then revokes one of our Nation's greatest Hero's Security Clearance all because he got his feelings hurt, I know he will never be able to unify this Country. We are going down a very dark road and it's going to get much worse before it gets better again. We must stay positive though. You're right about that!! ❤️🇺🇸💙