Unfortunately I am not able to comment on the election results, as my deadline for this article is noon, Nov. 4. However, as most Americans and most citizens of the world, I have been consumed with campaign thoughts the past few days, and I am on pins and needles waiting for the outcome. I'm anxious for my candidate, but mostly just anxious for the constant campaigning to cease.

My friend visited over the weekend, and I noticed that she seemed a little more attached to her phone than usual. I asked who kept sending her text messages. "Barack," she answered, as if it was as normal to receive text messages from the presidential candidate as it was from her mom.

When I called home on Sunday, and my dad answered the phone with a bark rather than his typical cheery, "Miller Residence!" He apologized once he realized it was I. Apparently his friends Michelle, Rudy and John had called just minutes before. The phone had been ringing off the hook with recorded messages asking for his support on Election Day.

I, myself, have been flooded with e-mails from candidates who have taken time out from their busy, last-minute campaign rallies to remind me to vote on Tuesday. A few phone calls have even made their way to my cell phone. Sometimes I think that the candidates don't make a move without sending me a message telling me about it. Commercials in between my favorite television programs have been replaced with political messages. Normal Monday night football isn't exempt from political agenda: A Redskins' win is supposed to predict a Republican win, while a Steelers' victory means success for the Democrats. Facebook statuses have been donated to supporting candidates. Wardrobes around campus seem incomplete without accessorizing in support of one's favorite candidate. Even underneath Halloween costumes I noticed some campaign paraphernalia, and I saw more Sarah Palins and Barack Obamas than I did pumpkins this past Halloween night.

I think it is so wonderful -- regardless of which candidate wins -- that so many people have gotten involved in a greater cause this election year. The excitement has been building for months, and I cannot wait for the results of the election. It is no doubt a historic election, and we are so lucky to be a part of it -- as Americans who for the first time have a woman and African-American on the ticket, as Virginians who for the first time since the 1970s are a major swing state, and as students who are mobilizing in unprecedented numbers. Whether the results make you sad, mad or glad, I think we all have a reason to be proud.

After the storm of campaigning is over, I am looking forward to when all of the craziness that is attached to the election is finished. Nov. 5 will be a happier day for some than others, but for everyone it will feel a little calmer with the election behind us. Although, I hope the level of political activism stays high. This election season I've seen how much young adults care about the state of our country and world and how active and influential they can be. Still, maybe once the election is over I'll finally have time to respond to all of my e-mails, phone calls and text messages that I have neglected recently. I'm not sure whether they will be calls of congratulations or sympathy, but my friends Joe, Sarah, Barack and John deserve a response.

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