I voted today and was glad that I got to particpate in the legendary election that got President Barack Obama in office! I got up this morning and painted Obama on my nails and went to class as usual even though it felt far from a usual day.

I voted this afternoon in the Jesse Owens Gym on south campus and didn't have to wait in any super long lines people were telling me about and felt like my little vote could actually make a difference. This was the first presidential election I ever voted in, and there were so many 1st time voters at Ohio State, which made a big impact. I interviewed people at the campus polling places for Buckeye TV, and we actually had a live Election coverage on TV where we were the 1st news outlet to declare Obama the winner at 9:45pm according to Wikipedia. Here's a bit of the show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqOONRrWdcg

It was astounding how Obama had a strong lead the entire time. The victory seemed almost too easy and was in his hands way early. I was just getting back to my room and on the computer when I heard screams down the hall and shouts outside so I knew that something big was going on with the election, and low and behold, the biggest thing imaginable occurred when I turned on the TV and saw how Barack Obama was declared our nation's first Black President!!! What an exciting and historical night for black people, college students, the middle class and the whole world!
To have an African American male make unprecedented strides like that in modern day society is amazing, and truly proves that anyone can truly be anything now. I had people calling me from all over the U.S. that night in exteme excitement. It's like everyone tells their kids, "One day you can grow up and be President," and now that's a reality whereas before minority parents just said it in Hopes of a change in the distant future somewhere.

His campaign committee was awesome and really made sure that Obama was being promoted everywhere. A study just showed that African Americans were the top in volunteering for a presidential candidate 62% over any other race or ethnicity. And the Obama/Biden presence was definitely felt on Ohio State's campus, starting from earlier in the year with the primaries with rallies, muscial guests and even a Barack talent showcase. And although people tried to say that he was the most inexperienced candidate, he proved that "experience" by other people's terms didn't matter and that younger people, both Obama and most of the voters are the leaders for change.

In a frenzy, tons of OSU students stormed the Oval, marched down High Street, around the Stadium and some even jumped in Mirror Lake! What a major night! I'm glued to CNN and the electoral votes and blue states are increasing even after the announcement. Barack kept it real in saying that "Things won't be fixed in 1 term or even 1 year" and that it's still going to take the American people to help make the changes we want to see. And I think people of both parties are starting to recognize that, it takes a village to raise a nation, not just a child. So it is my HOPE and prayer that this exciting Election experience will continue to unite this country.