Four years ago John Kerry promised us that "Hope is on the way," and although he was not elected for various reasons, I believe that it is the efforts and hopes of our generation that allowed the change to come.
In a time where the average citizen is called apathetic, and we are told that conversation is dead, our generation found a movement toward civic responsibility.
On the night of Nov. 4, as I sat with my closest girlfriends watching the election results through tears, I knew that change had come. What was more important was that we were an integral part of this change. It was our part in grassroots campaigns, programs such as the "The Great Debate," and voter registration drives that gave us the change that we wanted.
In all honesty, while it may not be the candidate everyone preferred, it was a vote for the change that our country desired.
Although Obama is often cited by giving a public call to duty in his speeches, I am going to cite the words of Sen. John McCain in his concession speech, "Today I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much.
"And tonight, I remain her servant." Regardless of whether one voted Democratic, Republican, independent or green; just because this election period has passed does not mean that our found civic commitment needs to.
Therefore to all, I say let us retain the passion and motivation that excited us during the election and our commitment to our country and her issues for the greater good. The call to purpose is not to create a civic call so that everyone goes out and creates an NGO, but instead for each of us to be inspired to create and maintain change that we want.
As we enter this four-year term with Barack Obama as our Commander-in-Chief, we need to remember that he is not "The One" each and every one of us is.
This inauguration should serve as a civic New Year's resolution for us as Hokies to live by our school motto, "Ut Prosim", and maintain a lifestyle dedicated to civic responsibility.
Arlane Gordon-Bray is a senior international studies major and the undergraduate representative to the Board of Visitors at Virginia Tech.
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