i Voted

I voted for change today. It was my first time voting. I became a US Citizen in September 2008.

I was nervous, excited. I couldn't sleep last night.

I voted this morning. Afterwards I called my mom and thanked her... for everything that she did that made this day possible for me.

I voted for change today. I cried as I walked back to my car. I cried because for the first time in my life I felt passionate about a politician, I cried because I could vote for him, because I felt in a sense - complete as an individual in this country - with a sense of belonging. I cried because I sincerely felt that my voice mattered, my voice spoke up, I raised my hand, I gave my opinion, I let it be known - on a ballot - that I want change....

Voting is a right I'll never take for granted....