Despite the economic downturn showing no sign of an end, the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Tuesday left many Americans feeling uplifted and hopeful that change will come.

However, we as a country cannot only rely on the words of a new president. While it is hopeful that President Obama will bring change to the United States, we must first bring change ourselves.

President Obama mentioned several times in his speech his desire to bring the American public together to work for a greater good, to help those less fortunate and to remember that all are equal.

His focus on pride, courage and helping others engaged the millions there and drew echoed cries of joy and optimism across the nation.

As Obama outlined in his speech, our country has endured harsh and difficult times – in the past and now. We made it through those battles and we can continue to do so today.

As our country dives further into an economic decline, we must remember that it is not one man’s fault and it cannot be fixed overnight. We must learn to appreciate the privileges we have and recognize that many people here and around the world have much less.

It’s not just the men and women in Washington who will bring about change. As citizens, we also have this power. In order to make our country a better place, we must begin at home.

By using Creighton’s own Ignatian values, we can make an impact on the lives of ourselves and those around us during these difficult times.

Become involved in service. President Obama’s speech focused much on what we can achieve if we bond together in these situations. We do not join together to fight for one. We are one fighting for all.

Treat each person with dignity and respect. Each person is worthy and has a right to be here. No one should feel discriminated against. We are a nation of immigrants who have fought for their right to be where they can live in freedom and without fear of death and persecution.

Though the inauguration of a black man as president turns the country on a brighter path, we all must fight the discrimination that still exists.

Stand together. We must understand that these times affect everyone and we all need to work together to help ease the pain. The time has come for us to stand together in this fight instead of fighting against one another.

We can always do more. In our country’s current situation, it is simply not enough to do the minimum requirement. We must build up ourselves and others by showing how much we care for this nation and this world.

Doing simple things everyday, from helping at the Sienna Francis house, donating old clothes to Goodwill or even smiling at someone on the mall, is a great step in building our nation back to a high standing.

The change in our nation cannot simply be accomplished by one man in a suit, but by all those willing and wishing for our country to once again be a beacon of hope and encouragement for the rest of the world.

As President Obama stated, “For the world has changed, and we must change with it.”