2008 has been filled with lots of changes...some from my own personal choices, some through choices of others, and some through nature and just plain life.

Working full time is enough to keep one busy, but adding full time school to the equation tends to take you hostage to time. Seeking a Master of Science in Management in Leadership is no joke and is definitely time consuming. Discipline, self-control, and structure play a very important part and are the lifeline of success. At one point and time, it seems as though it's all about you - by yourself, but that's simply not true. One event this year which I had the honor and privilege to attend greatly encouraged and empowered me in my journey toward change is the presidential campaign for Barak Obama.

I had never attended such events and wasn't planning to attend this event. After my younger son, while at work, had the opportunity to shake Obama's hand, the reality of change hit me. You see, 10 years ago, I would not have thought of this historical moment even being into play - and working was not in my son's vocabulary. My elder son and husband decided they were going to the rally and I decided to join.

It was a first time to attend any function such as this for both myself and my son. Well, guess what. They, too, got to shake Obama's hand. Embracing change opens doors to new opportunities. Opportunities that are missed if one doesn't embrace change.

Thank you President-Candidate Obama for coming to Asheville, North Carolina and allowing my family and co-residents a historic opportunity. Over 20,000 people inside and out of the Asheville High School stadium, black, white, young, older, standing shoulder to shoulder, smiling, on one accord, shouting "yes we can!" What a change from 25 years ago...what a pleasant change.