This is the time for change. As a high school counselor and a baby boomer, I support young adults everyday in moving from apathy to hope, from hope to action, and from action to positive change. For the first time in my long career in education I have witnessed first hand how Barack Obama has captured the hearts of our youth. It is remarkable there are so many young people wishing to be 18 so they can vote in this year's election. In the past I always had to convince my students to register to vote. Not so, today, with Obama as a candidate. As I have done so often before, I am standing up again for what I believe in and I am excited to lead others as they, too, begin to stand up and lead others. Politically active since a young child, involved in the Democratic Party in southwest Idaho, when there were so few of us, I know what it is like to speak up when the majority does not agree. Coming out as a lesbian when it was unpopular to do so 25 years ago in conservative Alaska, once again, I was moved into action and positive change. Our country is desperate for change and I will not stop now to help Obama lead our country into transformation. My style pushes one to question, to move from the status quo, and to become energized to carry forth with spirit. Taking advantage of my summer off, I plan to use my talent, my experience, and my voice, in whatever state needs me. I will garner the voice of our youth, I will lead other baby boomers, especially white women, and I will bring in their vote, and I will join in the celebration when Barack Obama becomes our nation's next president.