As we huddled around the T.V November 4th 2008, I snuck a quick peek at my

mother.

Mirrored in her face was exactly what I felt building in my heart: hope for America and its people. Not only hope towards the present economy, environment, or war, but also for general ideas, bigger pictures, and equal opportunities.

Anyone unconvinced that race played a part in our past presidential election is strongly deceived. If race was not verbally acknowledged, then it was heavily present in thought. Race was a prime focus. In our country, where the shadows of racism have tainted our preferences and ideas, a consciousness of race is hardly unexpected. In my high school, people born long after the civil rights marches still put emphasis on Mr. Obama's mixed heritage. Race still matters.

Being part black and active in student government I too have been subjected to racial prejudice even isolated in the "mixed plate state". According to my advisor as far she knows, there has never been an African-American S.A resident at Hilo High School and I am reminded quite often with general assumptions about my family, past and hometown.

Perhaps it is because of that experience that results in stomach butterflies when I think about the historical election I was lucky to witness in my time. With his success he has contradicted a doubt I once refused to admit was there. The doubt that my little siblings, classmates, that every American, and that I can do all things. I look to him as a reference point. A man I can look up to as a reminder that they, we and I can achieve all aspirations in America. For me, and for everyone, Barack Obama's success has marked how far we've come, and how far we have yet to go before true equality is received by the land of the free.

As in any other country, many problems await solutions here. Aside from the obvious expectations I have for Barack and his team; actions towards stabilizing our current fiscal situation, constant conservation efforts, new approaches for better early childhood education, the next steps toward a way out of the war on terror... My expectation for Barack Obama is leadership. I expect him to unite and lead us towards those common goals. I want him to continue being a great leader for everyone. I want to see him visiting the areas where the problems are occurring, even on the outskirts of far towns, not for publicity, but for better understanding of how best to serve all people of America.

When Barack Obama advanced in the polls people everywhere held their breaths. Some held it in fear, many in excitement, but most in doubt. Doubt for his experience. Doubt for his capabilities. Doubt for his differences.

Now, despite all doubts, he is our president and therefore expected to carry out his duties as such: leading us towards better times with integrity, direction and an open mind. Yet at the same time he is also so much more. He is a beacon. A light for some where there has only been shade before. Here, in a land that has struggled with true equality; not equality determined in laws and figures. but in our thoughts and actions, he is now a symbol of progression, goodness and humanity. Better times are ahead. Naturally, we are expecting much from our new Commander in Chief. However I feel that most of the promise Barack Obama brought to America, he delivered the night he was announced president.