We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met. - US President Barack Obama

For as long as I can remember, pundits and politicians have complained about the apathy of the youth, the frivolity and ignorance of the average American, and the lack of motivation facing communities of color. They've wasted their money, pride, and dignity in their attempt to reach these people, and have failed time and time again. But with articulate passion, determination, and sense of purpose, President Barack Obama succeeded.

As I listened to President Obama deliver his inauguration speech, nothing, not even the rough asphalt of the 405, the persistent stop and go traffic, or the humming static of public radio could take me away from these words. Because these were my words, speaking with my voice, conveying my hopes and admitting my fears, while reassuring my doubts with an optimism I needed to believe in.

We remain a young nation, but...the time has come to set aside childish things.

Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less.

It has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things...who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

But these are not really my words. I could never speak so powerfully or with such profound eloquence. I lack the skill to craft prose as beautifully as Obama can. My voice, though genuine and passionate, cannot carry through miles of people, cannot command a crowd to listen or even convince audiences to take my ideas seriously.

But I, like many in my generation, want to do great things. We went into life with big dreams and high ambitions. Life lent us a cruel blow - the ceiling was not as infinitely high as we were promised, society did not welcome us all with open arms, our talents were not all deemed equally important. Throughout our youth we were pushed toward dreams and fantasies, however at the edge of our future, our paths were suddenly diverted. We were encouraged to settle - settle for safety and comfort in 9-5 jobs that offered a salary but lacked the drive and passion we all craved.

I don't consider myself a risk-taker, but I've taken some risks. I've followed my passion amidst stark opposition. I have not taken any shortcuts and I will not settle for less. My mind is still wrought with childish things, and I hope to set those aside for good. But for now I can only promise that I will stay the course, for I am hopeful that the groundwork I lay here will lead to meaningful ends. Because my sense of purpose is strong, and my faith in my efforts is outstanding.

All this we can do. All this we will do.

So let us mark this day in remembrance of who we are and how far we traveled.

This is why I, and a generation like me, follow the words of President Obama. He understands our plight and identifies our drive for responsibility and ideals. He voices our stories to the world, never patronizing, because he has found the Hope that lives in our nation, the untapped potential within our borders. After all the hype we've heard of a bright future, after all the disappointment we've felt in our present outcomes, Obama fulfills our hunger and desire for someone, anyone, to understand our struggle, listen to our past, and believe that we will one day succeed in accomplishing our goal in life - to matter.