“While the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humilty and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.” — Barack Obama, presidential-elect acceptance speech, Nov. 4, 2008

Like millions of Americans, I sat glued to the television set last night, laptop in hand, watching the states light up red and blue on and gasping with each call. With the delay in calls from Indiana, it didn’t seem likely America was ready for change. Suddenly Penn. and Ohio lit up blue, and murmors from the McCain camping calling for “a miracle” were reported, and I slowly began to realize. This was potentially one of the most historic moments in American history, and I would be a part of it.

All along this election has been about race, to a degree, but nobody wanted to say it. The man to acknowledge it last night was none other than the defeated John McCain. McCain gave a most gracious and humbling speech, taking the blame for his own defeat and silencing the crowd when they dared to boo him. He referred to Obama as his friend and president, saying he would be working hard to serve him in the interest of the American people.

“That he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who once wrongly believed they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving,” McCain continued. “This is a historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight.”

As voter shed tears and celebrated well into the wee hours of the morning, I went to bed exhausted and excited, and woke up this morning even happier — because today was the first day of great things yet to come. The public has spoken — voters saw a massive shift in battle ground states, as CO, NV, NM, IA, OH, VA and FL all called in blue, contrary to the results of the 2004 election where each state favored President Bush.

However, that doesn’t mean that Obama’s future is smooth sailing. Quite the contrary, he is entering the office at a time where there is much political termoil as the FDR administration. The road will be a long one, and we as Americans must do our best to show patience. We have elected our leader, and we must let him lead. Changes will not take place over night; rather, they will come in time. All good things to those who wait goes the saying — I can honestly say there are good things to come, but we need to wait it out.

“This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance to make that change,” Obama said, standing between two bulletproof glass walls.

He already knows he has many hurdles in front of him, and he already knows his own life may be at risk for the anarchists and staunch conservatives who did not vote in his favor. He is taking office in a dangerous time, setting a precedent, and taking a risk. We as Americans must believe in him and follow … and wait. Congrats Barack on a job well done … and can we follow you? Can we be patient? YES WE CAN!