Barack Hussein Obama
The Forty-Fourth President of the United States of America

It was surreal. It caught me off guard. If my friends and family are indication, it caught most of us off guard.
That the moment was historic, goes without saying.
Right before the election was called and it looked like it was going our way, I was gripped with a feeling of disbelief. All I could say to myself (over and over) was "We're going to have a black president". Like I was trying to get it to sink in.
Sure, the process had gone on forever. Sure President-elect Obama is MORE than qualified. Sure all circumstances appeared to be in his favor. But did any of us REALLY think that this country was ready to be led by an African American?
All I have to say is that today, I am PROUD to be an American. Very proud, indeed.
Not because we've elected a leader that is
more than worthy of the highest office in our country, who just happens to be African American. Not because we've elected a leader that has the uncanny ability to bring all kinds of people together and has already changed the world's view of our country. Not even because he brings to the office of the presidency, hope--a hope that has been missing in our country for too long.
The election of Barack Obama means just what this country means to everyone. Infinite possibility.
What does it mean to you?