Wednesday, November 4th 2008, was supposed to be another ordinary day. But for the millions of eligible voters in America, it was a day that would change America forever. The place had what I called a ‘quiet tension’. Everyone was on pins and needles as the polling stations opened, ready to admit the voters that had waited in line from as early as 4 am.

This day was a day that lots of persons did not see possible about two years ago, when a charismatic man by the name of Senator Barack Hussein Obama announced that he was going to run for president of the United States. As an African-American, I was extremely pleased to see that Barack Obama was attempting to break a barrier that had not been broken since George Washington served as America’s very first president. I naively thought that he was going to be eaten alive by his opponents, as I felt that America was not ready to vote a black man into the presidency.

However, as I listened to his speeches, I was intrigued by his charisma, his eloquence, his “cool, calm and collected” personality and his determination to help turn around America for the better. I said to myself, “This man could possibly have a shot at this.” As the buzz grew behind this bold, brave man, so did the criticism. Some critics felt that he was not ready to run the country because of lack of experience. I’m pretty sure that none of the previous presidents had experience running the country either. My admiration grew for this man as the months passed. I was very proud when he defeated Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic Presidential nomination. I knew then that I had to be part of this experience.

When I arrived in Florida in August to start my grad school career, one of the first things I did was fill out the voter registration form. I attended a rally at the University of Central Florida which was packed with students clamoring for a glimpse of former President Bill Clinton as he spoke highly of Senator Obama’s personality, his stellar educational career and his plans for the country. My brother stood in line for hours waiting to attend a rally held by Senator Obama himself. He recalled the place being so packed that he was unable to even turn. I was amazed at the support Obama had garnered since he had first announced his intention to run for president.

I early-voted the Thursday before Election Day, along with my two brothers. I felt a sense of great excitement as I shaded in the circle next to his name. I felt as though my vote would be the one to put him in the Oval Office. I was also pleased to see elderly persons turn out in great numbers. Although they were frail and had to be helped along, they were determined to support their candidate. Some knew that they might not live long enough to see the next election so they were determined to contribute to the ‘change.’

On Election Day, millions of voters went to the polls. My friends who also voted spoke of standing in extremely long lines and having to put up with system glitches, amongst other problems. But they were also determined to contribute to Obama’s foreseeable victory. They also spoke of feeling excited when they shaded in the circle next to Obama’s name. I felt confident that the change America needed was coming. All I had to do was sit and wait for the final results of this historic election.

I was nervous as the first results came in. I wondered if the election would turn out the way I expected. However, as the evening progressed, the uncertainty turned to rising excitement. I kept refreshing the Internet links to track any projections that might have been made. Finally, at 11 pm, the answer millions were seeking was given. Senator Barack Obama had shattered a barrier and become America’s first African-American president! The pride I felt watching his name flash across the screen was unspeakable. I felt dizzy with joy and relief that the hard work that so many of my friends had put in had not gone unnoticed.

Today, I salute a man who saw an opportunity for change. His “Yes We Can” slogan kept me positive even when things seemed impossible. Now I can proudly say that I helped to elect our first African-American president. I salute you, President Barack Hussein Obama.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News