Obama

As I reflect upon the historical nature of last night's election decision, I feel nothing less than a deep and powerful sense of what it means to be an American. What comes to mind are not the blessings and opportunites that I have been fortunate to have, but the hardships of those that live in places where last night's election could never be a possibility. Of the hundreds of people I have met in developing countries, I was aware that their societies had tall walls that prevented certain people from ever rising up. Last night, a wall was destroyed in America. This wall symbolized hate and fear and Obama and the American people decided last night that this blocker could not stand.

The message of hope and change are universal, and at very least, this election restores America to the beacon it has traditionally symbolized. A place where a person has the freedom and opportunity to pursue his/her dreams. A land that is creative and new that is willing to take risks in a uncertain world. A people who are defiant of tyranny and rejoiceful for their freedoms.

The reality of Obama's election is a testament to the American dream. It feels as though a dark fog is finally lifting over this country and a stigma that I often felt is finally being relieved. Who knows whether Obama will be a good president or bad, but what is clear is that he has inspired a generation of my peers to believe in America, and even more powerful, he has inspired the world that America can lead and be a changemaker for the next century.