Obama: Now is the Time to Act Boldly and Wisely

The trials of a soon to be graduate are those I am sure many are familiar with, and most lack experience with tackling. Obama promises to prepare graduates and students for the world job market and promises to raise the value of an education in a competitive world market. National service? Sure, I'll sign up. Yet I'm at the tail end, aren't I? I don't get the preparation, safety nets, the incentives. I fucking worked my butt off, and I made every minute count. I paid the price, and will be paying for many years. The train has passed for the chance to get tax credits for education, to serve.

No. I tell you, I am unprepared. I have faith in myself, in my destiny, and in the universe's nature of karma and caring for me when I need it most. Yet, this faith isn't cash. It doesn't absolve credit card debt, erase tens of thousands in school loans, or give me the necessary training to make me marketable for the job world. I will walk in blind fold on, feet first, hands behind my back, and a broad smile on my face just hoping that something will be good enough.

Where is my private jet? Where is my bonus? Do you know that I have always made less money than my husband? 2009 and I make .9o cents to his dollar. I don't blame him. I'm not begging for a jet or a bonus, I'm just pissed that I was responsible. I did it right, and yet here I am not much better off than a few years ago. Buying a home is not in my near future, and I can handle that. But there is a deep regret I have for not having more financial solvency or that I might have done more.

Obama is a great speaker, yes. He has a charming smile and sense of humor and humility. And he is a man of faith, a responsible father and husband, and an accountable man. Maybe he can change our world. I just hope that those changes are ones that are so woven into our identity that they are irreversible. The true nature of our government and constitution relies on the ability to change the laws and policies based on the opinion of the people. We are headed to a great era surely. But have no doubt that nothing is permanent, and it takes hard work.

I'm ready to work. I see the promise Obama sees in our nation. I will manage my personal economy with responsibility and transparency. Will there be a job for me? Will they take me on to work for them? Can I be a scholar? Or do I have to compromise my own dreams and settle for a decent wage? I have doubts about a Recovery plan, but I have hopes about Recovery. There are tough and grizzly ideologies which still cling to the skeleton of our Old America holding us back from a more perfect America. Men still dominate many spheres, including congress. I'm so tired of the Old way, and so many have faught for the privileges and rights we have today over centuries. In their honor, I too will push my way through, elbow my way forward and address the same tired issues with the new and fresh zeal of a new battalion of foot soldiers. I'm ready to serve. But is the world ready for me?

Obama is right. Even though I want to be carefully and modest in these unsure times, I know that is not American, that is not Sophie, and that is not a way to honor those who've gone before me. I committ to a financial responsibility I expect from others. I committ to the national service that serves me. I commit to the following my dreams, because it cannot wait, it must not wait... I have earned my degree. I will use my education to push those dreams forward, to adapt to the world's woes and challenges, while using my best qualities to serve others. There is selflessness that is necessary even when you don't have much to give, and I won't drown if I offer my help. In fact, I know my actions of charity will continue to pay me back and pay it forward, so that one day when I am down and out and need a hand, it will find me. I committ to bringing my passion to young Americans who have lacked the devotion or promotion of a quality education.

It is up to me, up to us to act boldly. To act swiftly. To act wisely. The lord be with me, the universe behind me, and the power of my strength within me. It is time to act.