|
Last Updated: Nov 13th, 2008 - 21:52:45 |
Students and faculty at Auraria may not have agreed on who should be the next president, but most agree that the change in administration will bring better times for the country.
"Younger voters realize that this is a new day and things in the world, in the country are changing," Metro senior Shane Sullins said.
For Sullins, the economy remains a big concern. It's especially important to him as it could affect his ability to receive financial aid, and he thinks it should be President-elect Obama's top priority.
First-time voter and Metro student Joanna Bacon echoed Sullins' thoughts, with the economy at the fore of her mind.
"I think this country will get better, a better place to live economically, hopefully," Bacon said.
Even those who didn't vote for Obama, like Metro student Sarah Mark, are optimistic that the economy will improve. Mark anticipates that the election will help spark some sociological changed in the idea of American government.
Sean Rhodes also voted for the first time, supporting Obama because he felt Sen. John McCain didn't represent the kind of change he wanted.
"I wanted someone who could unite. We've been divided for eight years and despite McCain's record of reaching across the aisle, his campaign seemed not to include Democrats should he win," Rhode said.
The country is moving in a good direction, not just in terms of civil rights, Rhodes said, adding that no matter what comes next, Obama will have to try hard to do a worse job than President George W. Bush.
"McCain seemed scared of change. Because there's good change and bad change, but change is inevitable. It means America isn't scared to look forward. Or to take a chance on change.
"I hope that everything he said he was going to work for, he really does work for," Metro student Jennie Hughes said of the next president, who she believes will change the direction of the war in Iraq as well as bring troops home.
Where the country is headed, Metro student Heather Brown said, depends on whether Obama follows through on his campaign promises.
"If Obama keeps his promises, a healthier environment and more jobs (should be on the way)," Brown said.
English professor Rebecca Gorman, registered Independent, donated money to a political campaign for the first time this election. She thinks the country will begin to improve, especially in terms of respect from foreign nations as well as economically.
For Gavin Wisdom, voting for the first time was little more than exercising his constitutional right.
"Things are looking up for the country, moving in the right direction. For the first time, I am proud to be an American. This mean more diplomacy, a rise a social democracy and more international unity," Wisdom said.
While policies and direction will undoubtedly change after Obama takes office in January, the impact of this campaign, where anything that could happen, did, has already begun to alter ideas about race, gender and civic involvement.
"This change could mean that all things are possible no matter the race, and encourage men, women, teenagers and children to never give," Metro student Pam Walters said.
Hughes added,"This was such an important election at a crucial time in our country. I hope the young voters see how they really did make a difference, a huge one, and helped shape the future of our country. It's very empowering to see that because of so many people having faith that their voice will be heard and their vote really does count.
Hopefully, we can use this power to continue making incredible strides in evolving our parents' politics, and as a result, our lives."
|
|
|
