It was around midnight on Nov. 4, 2008, at Hyde Park, Chicago. After a nearly two-year-long campaign filled to the brim with every single trial and tribulation imaginable, Barack Obama triumphantly presented himself before an immense crowd of elated supporters. Framed by a soaring array of American flags, a dignified and somber Obama declared his historical and well-deserved victory over Sen. John McCain for the highest office in the land.Without a doubt, it was a momentous occasion for the nation and the world. But I think that of all people, we college students, with our whole lives ahead of us, stand to gain the most from Obama's election.

One reason for this has to do with the background of our president-elect. As Obama has often mentioned in speeches, his story is the American dream. His ascent-from a childhood marked by instability, a lack of a father and near-poverty to our next commander in chief-is truly remarkable. It exemplifies how, with a little hard work, motivation and ambition, we can all become something great, no matter what our socioeconomic status or race may be. Fortunately, we can utilize Brandeis University, its facilities, its resources and its faculty as a stepping stone to achieving these ends.

The positive change that I hope to see stem from an Obama administration will assist us in realizing this American dream when we leave college and become independent of our parents. Currently, we face a whole host of issues that may affect our livelihoods in the future. However, Obama's policies, which are grounded in pragmatism, open-mindedness and bipartisanship, might ultimately help lift us up.

For instance, the financial crisis on Wall Street has severe implications. However, by pursuing a practical approach that includes more governmental regulation and oversight, a sensible relief-providing tax policy, large investment in new jobs and many other initiatives, Obama, along with our own personal drive, can steer us toward economic stability and prosperity in the future.

Another factor to consider is the prospect that our next president will make government more open and transparent to the people. This is particularly relevant to us because we came of age when, under President George Bush, the government ignored and failed the public by pursuing reckless and unpopular policies, catering to special interests, subverting the Constitution and displaying general incompetence. Some of us became jaded and apathetic; we felt our voices were too small and our problems too minor to warrant attention from the political elite.

I believe that Obama will resolve this dilemma for two reasons. The first is reflected in his campaign. During his run for the presidency, Obama's team created a sprawling Internet-based network that reached out to people and incorporated them into the political process in an unprecedented fashion.

His supporters were no longer just potential donors and voters; rather, they were respected as partners in a coalition for change, hope and unity. Hopefully they will be treated as such over the next four years and, via the Internet and other media, will be able to hold the next president much more accountable for his actions than the previous one.

The second reason is his record. As a senator, Obama was a leading advocate for ethics reform. He sponsored and supported bills like the Coburn-Obama Transparency Act, which discloses, on the Internet, every recipient of federal funds, and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, which reduces the financial influence of lobbyists.

Stemming from these factors is the possibility that more individuals in our demographic will pay more attention to and get involved in government and shaping public policy. I know that, after hearing Obama's inspiring message of unity and hope in one of the Democratic primary debates, I became one of those converted individuals, and I expect that more will follow.

I may sound like an idealist, and I realize that politicians do not always keep their promises. I also recognize the enormity of the challenges ahead and the fact that change is far from instantaneous. But I am convinced that Obama can renew our faith, not only in the government, but also in the entire nation. He can refresh our capabilities as Americans and, specifically, creative and intelligent students at Brandeis. If not him, then who else?