Of course, I am the first democratically elected woman president in Africa, and that raises a lot of expectations. Because I represent the aspirations of women all over Africa, I must succeed for them. I must keep the door open for women's participation in politics at the highest level. That is both humbling and exciting.

One has to look at my life story to see what I've done. I've paid a heavy price that many people don't realize.

The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.

I think the majority of the Liberian people want peace.

I earned my professional credibility a long time ago in a male-dominated world. I just hope that as a woman, I bring in an extra dimension to the job. I bring in the sensitivity of being a woman and a mother, and that means I pay more attention to women, children, and the social needs of society.

Liberia can move on and break from the past. That is very important for us to try to achieve our development goals and reconcile our nation.

We all have a stake in the battle against Ebola.