ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- There perhaps has never been a more exciting time to be a political science professor or student.
"I do really appreciate being able to hear other perspectives and to talk about these issues in a place where we're having thoughtful civil conversations," said Saint John Fisher College political science professor Dr. Kathleen Donovan.
Donovan appreciated having a classroom where she could talk about this very unique, and exciting political season. She's says like never before, her class took on issues like political rhetoric, the relationship between candidates and the media and the use of social media to communicate directly to voters.
"It's really awesome when what you study has a palpable relevance to your life," said sophomore Gabriella Kielbasinski. "Having that more concrete knowledge about political science is really helpful weeding through the news and having a more complete understanding of what's going on."
Students say politics aside, Donald Trump connected with voters in ways others never had, speaking directly to them on social media.
"Getting info about the candidates as way easier than in the past and because of it people had a more personal connection and identified with their candidates more because of that," junior Nick Campanella said. "The social media really impacted how young people liked us viewed this election and how we expressed our opinions about it."
And sometimes those expressions really pulled people apart something they all hope can change.
"I mostly hope that the students understand that people have very different values and different opinions about things and that's OK," Donovan said. "Just as long as we keep talking about them. It's when we stop talking all together and I fear that's happening with people unfriending people on Facebook or disengaging from social media or not talking about politics with members with their own families; I find that even more dangerous."