By Monir Khilla (additional reporting by Gothic Times Staff) —

It was a tough and long election year, but President Barack Obama handily won re-election on November 6, 2012 against Republican rival and former Governor Mitt Romney.

“I am extremely hopeful and very satisfied with the results,” said Diana DeJesus, 24, English with a Concentration in Journalism, Kearny.

DeJesus voted for Obama and said that, “Hopefully students are feeling more optimistic about job opportunities after graduation and maybe feeling better about financial aid, grants and loans. We don’t want to take out loans with the chance of finding a job remaining 50/50. Progress is one step at a time. I believe Obama’s plan for the country.”

Kevin Orozco, 19, Criminal Justice, Jersey City thought that the election “Means a lot to NJCU. It ensures that tuition can be reduced for those who can’t afford school or who don’t receive financial aid.”

Other students were equally excited.

“I’m happy Obama won. I feel that as a college student with Obama in office, it will be beneficial for me on my student loans,” said Mathew Cerbone, 19, Criminal Justice from Bayonne.

Cerbone voted for the first time and thought that “It was an amazing experience and made me feel like my voice was being heard”

“I also liked watching the election coverage to see where each candidate is at. It’s kind of like watching a sports draft, just on a higher level,” said Cerbone.

Not everybody was happy with the results of the election.

Joel Weiskopf, an adjunct professor in the Music, Dance, and Theater department thought that the election was “Good for social services, but horrible in other ways. I also believe his endorsement of same-sex marriage is an abomination and could have serious ramifications on our society.”

Weiskopf thought that, “NJCU may be able to continue to function without too many more budgets cuts. However, eventually, our country and taxpayers will have to pay because the country’s deficit is astronomical.”

“President Obama doesn’t seem to know how to handle the deficit situation,” said Weiskopf.

Gealine Brown, 26, Media Arts, from Jersey City, was pleased with the results and hopes “That people will continue to get the education they need, even if they can’t afford it.”