User blog comment:Roosevelt the Hunter/Taking a leave of absence/@comment-26358727-20180524143347

This is heartbreaking.

We elect people into positions of power with the good faith that they will embrace the fully responsibility of that role. It doesn't matter the scale - they could be a celebrity, a politician, or even just a local community leader.

They are supposed be role models. They are supposed to be someone that young people can look up to, aspire to be like, and draw inspiration from, exactly as you did. What you've written here illustrates just how far-reaching the consequences of someone's actions can be and I'm devastated that you had to find out about it in this way.

I want to take a moment to say that you have done nothing wrong by placing your trust in this individual's intentions.

Heroes are not always the larger-than-life ideal we conjure up in our heads, but in being humbled by an opportunity to meet with him and speaking out in support of him, you did not advocate for what he did on the sidelines. It was his public face that inspired you to pursue your career goals, but you are not him.

Take some time away, some time for yourself, and let the initial shock wear off. Go through it all piece by piece and evaluate what it was you wanted him to be. That's who you need to focus on becoming. This person may have been the inspiration behind your initial interest in politics and you will never forget the impact of that, but you'll be surprised by how much of your life—ideals, beliefs, ambition—has since been sowed by your own hand.

You will definitely come back from this stronger.