I wish Obama could see this.

Most candidates have a pathological need to become president, driving them onward to acheive the goal. But Barack Obama did not have that pathological need. The only thing that kept him going onward was the thought of what he could achieve if he were elected.

I heard that last night on "60 Minutes" in a fascinating interview with Barack Obama's campaign staff.

From the first time I really listened to what Obama was saying, I supported him, I think because I could see aspects of myself in him. I believe that he sees the world the way I do, which may sound strange, since by all appearances I am very different from him. I feel kind of silly saying this, because he is obviously such a great man.. and I don't have that kind of greatness. But the way he looks at things from every point of view, his faith in the ability of people to rise above their circumstances, his understanding that everyone must give and sacrifice for the greater good, and that you can't have everything you want, and that's okay. Sharing the gifts are what we need to do; there is enough to go around! His faith in the people to make the right decision, and his refusal to pit one group against another.. And of course his world-vision, his way of looking at the big picture, and of valuing every individual in it, and his approach to conflict through true communication. I am very big on that.

Anyway, I believe that most Americans can see something of themselves in Barack Obama, and that's why we elected him. Whether we are black or white, young or old, or in the middle.. the pundits are very mistaken in narrowing the issues. We are deeper than that. We are intelligent and passionate and reflective. And we are grateful to have such a man lead and represent us. Now I can hold my head up with pride, because the rest of the world can see that my president represents me -- who I truly am, and what I think.

Barack Obama's background is not dissimilar from many of my students. They come from single-parent homes, they live with their grandparents, they come from very diverse backgrounds. I love working there, I thrive on the diversity and I have always held high hopes for these students, that education will change their lives.

On November 5th there was a glow that surrounded the entire school. My administrator greeted me with a hug. And I wish Barack Obama could have seen our students! They were skipping down the hallway chanting "O-bama! O-bama!" like in the Obama song. They wrote OBAMA in big letters on their papers. They were focused and working and learning. Honestly, it felt to me that they felt hope alive inside them. I had a sense that it kindled the fire of possibility for them in their own lives.

I wish Barack Obama could be there to see it.

This is what I felt last week. And it cheers me and gives me hope. It renews my faith in our system, in America.

As we face the exceedingly tough times ahead, we have the right leader, and the role model we need to shape the attitudes and direction of this country. Someone on the radio said, "He will cure the cancer."

As for me, I feel the nightmare of the last eight years has ended. It was hard to believe that nightmare. Now I must pinch myself to be sure I am not dreaming.