ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Inside an AP government class at Rochester Prep High School, teacher Stephen Gallagher taught students about the issues at the heart of this year’s election and encouraged debates. 

Senior Alexis Howard voted in her first presidential election. She says the lessons from this class helped her understand what to expect on the ballot. 

“The class is teaching me about the process and doing my own research," Howard said. "Voting gives you a lot of knowledge so you’re not making a blind decision."

Another big lesson the students have received is to learn how to determine fact versus fiction. It’s a skill that helped senior Onecia Whitter during this election cycle.

“Pay attention to the news that shows you what you need to know," Whitter said. "I feel like social media [such as] Instagram just shows you opinions and not what’s being said in the news. So it’s a biased opinion."

During a time when with high emotions and heated opinions, these students say it’s important to hear what each other has to say. 

“[You need to] be able to hear other people’s opinions," Whitter said. "You need opinions on both sides to find a middle path for where you like and what you believe in."