This year’s American elections were absolutely epic, thanks to Senator Barack Obama’s historic win as US President-Elect, making him set to be the first African-American President in US history. I have not been able to wipe the ear-to-ear grin off my face since.

Going into Stag’s Head, November 4th 2008, dubbed ‘the day America decides’ by the American mainstream media, I was a little nervous. The mere thought of Barack Obama winning was incredible; however, the thought of him losing to Senator John McCain was upsetting to put it mildly. Over here in England, whenever I mentioned to people that I was nervous Obama would lose, they would shake there heads and insist he wouldn’t. This was a view shared by many English people I met; they simply could not believe he would lose to John McCain.

The reassured feeling of a brighter future was not as strong in America. In the weeks leading up to the election, even with Barack Obama being the more popular candidate, there was still doubt that he could win the election for various reasons. A key concern to many was: "Is America really ready for an African-American President?" Of course, this was unfortunate to have to even contemplate but it was something people were actually considering. Being American by citizenship (not birth) I would love to be able to say that there is little or no racism in America, but sadly that is just not the case.

I wish Obama’s win could make this instantly change. Realistically it can’t - however, I do believe the repercussions of his win will definitely have a great impact on our society and future generations.

Another factor that played a role in America’s uncertainty regarding Obama winning, was his ‘lack’ or ‘little experience’ that many people believed was a problem. Compared to other candidates he did not have as much experience, especially compared to McCain who was 25 years his senior. With regard to this claim though, I only have one thing to say: look where 8 years of the Bush administration’s ‘experience’ has gotten us.

Obama has promised us change - and I truly believe him - but I think we must understand that it will not happen overnight. The problems going on in America and throughout the world are not easy ones to feat; he is being handed a country in a very fragile economic state and currently fighting a war. Tough times are here, good times are ahead - Obama is a shining beacon of light in a time of cloudy skies. He has instilled hope in Americans that for a while was lost.

His win is inspiring to all, not just to African-Americans, or any other minorities for that matter. When he was announced President Elect my eyes filled with tears and my heart began beating faster. As I watched him walk out to make his speech I understood what his win meant to America and the world.

His win shows that change isn’t just going to happen. Change, my friends, is here. Barack Obama as President Elect is the best statement America has made in a very long time and proves that the ‘American Dream’ is still alive.