When I voted during the primary election, I showed up 15 minutes after the polls opened and I was voter number 6.

Today, I showed up over 15 minutes before the polls opened and I was voter number 22.

By the time I finished voting, the line had extended out the door and people were lining up in record numbers. I used to go to the polls with my mom before I could vote, and it is exciting that I get to vote for my first time in a general Presidential election in such an exciting year!

I voted for Hillary Clinton in the primary election and up until a few weeks ago, I planned on casting a write-in ballot for her rather than vote for Barack Obama. Even when I stepped in that booth today I was tempted to write in my vote for President. Then I reconsidered...

In a few short months, I will be the first in my family to graduate from college.  In a few short months, I will not be able to rely on my parents for health care and will be responsible for making payments on the excessive amount of loans used to pay for my education. Growing up in a working class family in Philadelphia has taught me that sometimes you have to swallow your pride and do what's best. That's what I did today.

I think Barack Obama would make a great President. I initially didn't buy into the "change" and "hope" rhetoric...but maybe that's exactly what our country needs right now.