Hi friends! Just a short message to report on one of the most exciting days in my life…in your life…and maybe almost everyone’s life. Today we awake to a new beginning, a promise of change, a new direction for the United States and its role in the world. I have waited quite a long time to type something like that and am thankful I finally can. Last night we elected Barack Obama to be the 44th President of the United States of America and I think there was a collective sigh of relief somewhere around 5:00 a.m. my time here in Utrecht all around the world for this new chapter in American and world history….

 

Last night a bar by my soccer club, Olympos Sport Cafe (which my coach owns), hosted the ESN American Election Watch Party. The bar was packed with international students and Dutch students alike. We had a pub quiz regarding American politics and everyone was so into it. The atmosphere was incredible for this little place in Utrecht to be witnessing history being made in the United States. It wasn’t the only bar in town to be hosting such a party. I was astounded by all the interest and general excitement shown by everyone there. I stayed there until about 3 this morning, then cycled home to watch the rest of the election from my living room on CNN…just incredible.

And yes, along with many others, my eyes got a little tearful when the news finally broke that it was over. Seeing 200,000 people watching the acceptance speech and listening to people’s stories about their struggles and their renewed hope for our country gave me goosebumps and still brings a little bit of a tear to my eye…sorry to get all emotional about this, but it really is a historical moment that will change my future, your future, your kids’ future, and etc. The general feeling in Europe is positive toward America again, I would think this is reflected throughout the world. I know President Obama (woo hoo, feels great to type that!) will not be a panacea, but he will make great progress for citizens of the US and the world to come together for a common solution to many of our current problems.

In short, I’m psyched about the news and I could barely sleep! I have a test in comparative law this afternoon, though, so I better shift my focus for just a bit so I don’t fail! Thanks for reading my thoughts on the election. I’ll write again soon…