Yesterday was my Christmas Eve and today is my Christmas Day. When I woke up this Christmas morning I felt like a little girl excited with anticipation about her gifts under the tree—you represent those gifts—you represent that excitement and that anticipation—
I jumped out of bed this morning with an enormous amount of optimism and hope for my future and the future of this country. I am very proud to be an American and I'm proud to be part of this historic and phenomenal event which took place--November 4, 2008. I was not born in this country, my family and I came here many years ago and we are all proud American citizens. Today I truly feel the need to thank my parents for all of their efforts in bringing me and my sisters to this country at such early ages.
When I went out to vote yesterday, I shared the line with all kinds of people from many walks of life—young and old, black and white. I was happily surprised by the young men I usually see hopelessly hanging out on the corner-- patiently waiting in line to vote, with hope in their eyes and pride in their stance. The older folks struggled to the polls with their walkers, nurses and wheelchairs (they still have hope). I even saw a man in line sitting in his wheelchair with a breathing tank attached to the back of his chair (no excuses)--all of us waiting to speak up and make our voices heard.
I am extremely proud of my niece and nephew who voted for the first time (college students who took this election very seriously and helped make all the difference). I am inspired by all these moments of personal greatness and I'm overwhelmed by our collective importance and massive power. I instantly understood the pride and hope my parents and all those who dream and struggle to become American citizens have when those dreams have been realized. This election and this nomination did that for me and I’m profoundly proud, thankful and honored. For years I've embraced all of the advantages that go along with being an American citizen and unconsciously took them all for granted like so many of us do, but today everything has changed--I'm conscious now.
From a grateful American citizen—change that I believe in
Dawn Monclova
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