Going Back To The White House!!!

So Good News...the last time I was in D.C was not my last time altogether. I have recently found out that I will be in D.C this summer as a 2009 White House Intern!!! I am extremely excited and looking forward to great experience. Will probably be starting a new blog...I will keep you posted.
Erica

A Moment Like This: The Inauguration of the Nation's first African-American President!

As I sit here in my apartment in Champaign, I am still in awe of the last few days that I've been able to experience. From the opening ceremonies to the inauguration, every moment during my trip left a lasting impression and made me truly believe that all things are possible. Yesterday specifically was amazing. We awoke early and made the drive to D.C. Once we hit the city it seemed that it would be impossible to reach the National Mall because of all of the large crowds. Determined, we climbed over barriers and walked miles through the city to get as close as possible. Somehow, like a miracle, we made it to the mall and had a view of one of the big screens. This was more than I could ever ask for. Standing in the crowd with millions of people was empowering. There was no arguing, just a sense of peace and happiness. People of every race, age and gender were all crowded together just to get a glimpse of President Obama. For most of the trip, I had held myself together emotionally, but when it came time for President Obama to swear in, I cried like a baby. I looked around me at all the people who this effected. I smiled at an elderly African-American woman who was squeezed next to me who I'm sure never thought in a million years she would live to see a African-American president. And here we were, both different generations, experiencing the same abundance of joy, hope and reverence. During his speech I thought of my ancestors that lived and died for this and all of the future generations that will now have the perfect example that anything is possible. Ever step that I took, ever cold wind that I endured and any discomfort that I expected were all more than worth it. I undoubtedly hold this moment as one of the best moments of my twenty years. I smile when I think of years from now when future generations will ask me: Where were you when Obama became the first African-American president of the United States of America? Where were you when Obama changed history? And I will answer...I was right there...and I was forever changed.

Young and Powerful at Howard University

After leaving the community service event, we headed over to Howard University, one of the nations premier HBCU's (Historically black college and university). From the time we arrived in D.C it had been my hope that we visit the campus that I had heard so much about so I was more than excited that we were going to a forum there. Once we arrived we witnessed a panel like no other lead by Jeff Johnson. Jeff Johnson came to the University of Illinois nearly two years ago and had a great impact on the way that I look at the society we live in. When I saw that he was the moderator I was more than happy because I knew he would ask the tough questions and truly get us thinking about the issues that concern us most deeply. The panel was of educated and influential speakers that all gave their opinion on various topics, toward the end the audience were able to write down questions to be asked. The discussion was so lively and informative! I left wanting to plan similar programs at our university. It was then that I realized the different dynamics of attending a predominately black institution. There is so much room for open and free debate. However, when thinking of this it also confirmed for me that this same type of debate needs to be welcome on predominately white campus'. In fact, it may even be more helpful in more diverse communities where so many sides can be heard. The forum and panel inspired me to continue these types of important conversations on our own campus. As I prepare to go to sleep, I feel like a child on Christmas Eve. I can't wait till tomorrow. I just..can't...wait!! **Erica**

Celebrating the Dream:National Day of Service

(The Crowd gathered near the concert stage)

(A volunteer helping child find a shirt that fits)

(Martin Luther King III)

(Me passing out bags)

(Me in front of the library)

(A picture in library window that reads: "There are two types of laws: there are just laws and there are unjust laws...What is the difference between the two? An unjust law is a man-made code that is out of harmony with the moral law." Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. )
(The front of the library)

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Obama called for the American people to give back to their respective communities. With this in mind, we awoke early this morning and drove into D.C. We arrived at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. library not to much later where we were met with large crowds of people. We were separated into groups that had different tasks. My group and I were to pass out bags to the needy who were getting clothes from the clothing drive. I found this activity to be very fulfilling. I could really tell that the people appreciated what were doing and that, even if in a small way, we were impacting their lives. One moment stood out to me the most though. At one point, two young children walked over with their mom. Their eyes lit up like they were in a candy shop, they were so excited! It meant so much to me to see how happy the clothes made them feel and how grateful they were to receive it. The activity continued with a small concert and short speech by Martin Luther King III, the son of Martin Luther King Jr. Being involved in this service project made me realize the true importance of service and giving to those that may not be as fortunate. When I looked around everyone just seemed to happy. People were dancing to the music while enjoying food and friends. Over all the event enriched our trip and our journey to the inauguration.

**Erica**

The Opening Ceremonies a.k.a The Longest Day of my Life! :)

As I sit here in my hotel room thinking of words to describe how I feel, I can only come up with one word: exhausted. The road to this state of mind was a long and exciting one and felt like many days actually put into one. We awoke at four this morning (only an hour after we had gone to sleep) and headed out toward D.C not to much later . Once we arrived we were met by swarms of people waiting in winding lines to enter the national mall. Surprisingly, waiting in line didn't take very long and before we knew it...we were marking our plot for the opening ceremonies. The only problem was that it was eight in the morning, and the concert didn't start until two-thirty. With no shelter in sight, I wondered what I could possibly do during this long period of time to keep my self occupied and warm. It seemed like the latter of the two desires was the hardest to maintain, about an hour into waiting I felt like my feet had frozen and disconnected from my body. As we all sat in a massive circle trying to maintain warmth, I laughed at the idea that although we were surrounded by thousands of people it only felt like us. After searching for hot chocolate and warmth pads the hours seemed to pass by and before I knew it was time for the concert to begin. I was not at all ready for what we experienced next. I had no idea that the ceremony would be full of such historic information and celebrity guest. From Jamie Fox, Denzel Washington, Mary J. Blige, U2, Sheryl Crow, Beyonce, Tom Hanks, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah and many more, the event was star studded. The crowd went crazy as the performers took the stage and a wave of excitement hit the mall when Obama said a short, but eloquent speech. It was everything that we could have wanted and made the waiting all worth while. The day continued with a three mile walk to the bus and dinner at Chilli's. The day, that was trying and sometimes hard to get through, had the ultimate payoff when we got to experience a concert of a lifetime and a ceremony that I will tell my children and grandchildren about for years to come. It was today when Obama hit the stage that the true severity of what we are here to experience hit me. It was at that moment that I realized how big this moment is and how monumental it will forever be in history and in my life. As he addressed the crowd I was both proud of him and all of the millions of people that came out to support him. There are no words to describe the level of emotion that hit me as the program continued. This day will definitely be one that I will remember for the rest of my life.