Last summer I returned to Colorado after having traveled around Eastern North America for a few months. At that time, the presidential election was all over the news. And Colorado, by chance, was a key swing state. So I decided to get involved.

When I started traveling around the country more than two years ago, I had some very specific plans, but I also knew that there would be a lot of unforeseen challenges as well as rewards. One of the most rewarding, most unexpected experiences for me was the opportunity to volunteer for the Obama Campaign in Colorado last summer and fall. During the campaign I formed several important and lasting friendships, and I learned a lot about myself in the process.

Today is President Obama’s Inauguration. It’s a proud moment for me, and it’s nice to know that people all over the world are celebrating along with all of us in the United States.

Above is a video I made, which highlights local campaign efforts in Centennial, Colorado. People all over the country made similar efforts. And if wasn’t for all those Americans, working so hard together, today we would be watching the inauguration of President McCain and Vice President Palin!