Parkway Schools

Final Thoughts - The Inauguration Experience

This is where you are going to share your final thoughts about the experience.  Was it life changing?  Did it impact your perspective of yourself as an American?  As a citizen?  Were you proud?  Did you learn anything about human nature or crowd mentality.  Just share your final thoughts.

Thanks for the great memories!

Mrs. M.

Comments

When reflecting, I get goose bumps. To be part of history with the best kids in the world—to stand on the same ground as our forefathers that once owned slaves and then see a black man taking the oath to become President is quite amazing. To see the monuments of our greatest Presidents, to stand where MLK, Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream Speech, and then be there with millions of others to see the swearing in of our 44th President, was one of those “wow” moments that remain with me forever.

The people and events of this trip were amazing. For me this was trip hit close to home. The magnitude of this event didn't hit me till the day of the concert. Standing there listing to the music i relized that 46 years earlyer my father could have been standing in the same spot as me for the "I Have A Dream" speech by MLK jr. This shows how much good progress can be made over time. So as we enter this new era just remember when times get hard to "KEEP IT MOVING" and "GO THOUGH THE GATE"!

The magnitude of what I was able to witness didn’t really hit me until I bought a paper at breakfast the next day and was able to pinpoint (round about) where I stood for the ceremonies. That day just happened so fast everything just kept coming at you. Between freaking out about not getting a spot to hefting people over barricades to trying to find a place to eat (love me some good Indian food), there was no time to stop and think. When I saw that picture I was like wow…that wasn’t a dream.

President Obama's Inauguration was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was incredible to see President Obama being sworn in among millions of Americans, and I thought his inaugural address was impressive because it was focused and direct about the challenges America faces in the upcoming months and years.

Being able to attend this moment in history was such a privilage and an incredible experience. Waiting for Obama's motorcade in Arlington, walking the packed streets of D.C, and witnessing Obama's swearing in. My perspective was greatly changed by how many people were there to side with Obama and to hope he makes the right decisions as President.

My life has changed since going to DC. I look at the gov't in a different perspective then I did before. Now I have a lot more respect for the president than I did before he was elected. I learned that being in a crowd can change your mood during a long period of times and it can also be very scary too. Now I have a different point of view as an American because our country has it better than others. I was very proud on going because not everyone has a chance to see this historic change.

This might sound weird but I feel that the DJ at the ball we attended really said it all when he said,"For the first time I am proud to not only be African American, but now only one word, American." I felt as though this showed the true magnitude of this event in that now we might finally be able to be united as one country, even though our people might represent many different nations. Now, more than even I believe our country will do great things. I know that I will never forget this event.

I'm finally proud to be American :). I'm so excited to see the changes Obama will bring, and being there made me feel really close to our country. It was just so amazing being there at such an important part of history. I will never forget such an experience, the inauguration and the whole trip all together was amazing!

I am very fortunate to have been at the Inauguration. I'm not sure if the event was life changing, as I try to encourage my students to make a difference, and I try to lead by example; however, it was reaffirming as the people around me seemed inspired and hopeful for the future. It reassured me I can make a difference and people can come together to make this country and the world a better place. It'll take hard work, but it is possible and this trip renewed my faith in that idea.