Dear Governor Palin,

            I can honestly say that writing this letter is something completely out of character for me, but I felt as if it was something that I needed to do. I realize that there is no guarantee that this will ever reach you, seeing as you are quite busy these days, but nonetheless, I am writing to thank you and to show my support. I am a nineteen year old student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Al. I am currently pursuing a degree in Political Science; so naturally, I have been intrigued by your presence on the national front. Normally, it takes a great deal of persuasion on a candidate's part to evoke a sense of pride amidst our country, but it seems as if you have conquered the challenge that was presented with ease. The spirit that you convey is what I believe it will take to bring the United States back to greatness that we once knew. I am proud of my country, I am proud to be an American, and I am overwhelmingly proud of the soldiers who defend the principles that this nation was founded upon. It is my devout belief that through your tenacity and steadiness in your convictions that you will not only make great strides on all political fronts, but you will also help to inspire another generation of young women, like myself, to overcome obstacles and rise to the greatness that is within reach. Mark Twain once said, "Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.” I would not lend my support to someone who I did not believe to be a great person in all walks of life. Personal values and decisions directly affect political stands. I would like to thank you for being one of those great people. Thank you for being someone that stands up for what she believes in no matter the opposition. Thank you for campaigning for worthy causes that are dear to your heart and the hearts of millions of Americans. Thank you for proving once again that a woman's determination is not a force that should be taken lightly.

    I would like to share with you one of my favorite quotes--one I am quite sure that you are familiar with--that was spoken by another great person found within American history. In his speech Citizenship in a Republic, Theodore Roosevelt said, "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." In standing up to and speaking out against a bias media, the controlling special interest groups, and the corrupt politicians within our government, you have embodied President Roosevelt's sentiment. There is no assurance that your cause will prevail, but you have championed those causes “while daring greatly” in spite of the odds. That level of courage transcends gender, race, and social status. Whether or not your name is on the winning ballot in November will not decide the contribution that you have made to society as a whole. The strength of character, family, and relationship with God you have shown will forever be remembered as a source of extreme pride for not only women, but all Americans. It is impossible for you to fail because the greatest battle has already been won.

            I pray that God will continue to guide you and Senator McCain throughout this journey. I will also pray for a true revitalization among Americans that will help to supersede political party allegiances and will unite us all for the greater good, because we are known not as Republicans or Democrats to the outside world; we are Americans, a united body carrying the banner for beliefs that were endowed to us by previous generations.

I would like to once again thank you for stepping out and being willing face the cruelty, the doubts, and the judgment that has been forced upon you and your family. This election has supplied all young people with not only a renewed sense of the importance of individual involvement within the government, but also a wonderful group of people that can be hailed as role models to a generation that is definitely lacking in that area. You have only just begun to inspire, and I have every confidence in your ability to do so.