Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Pictures from Inauguration Day

Inauguration Day

On this day like no other in history, it is almost as though there are no words quite right to describe it. Whether or not you were a supporter of Barack Obama, anyone would certainly feel the energy and enthusiasm of this day. I was but a speck among this massive crowd of people yet at the same time I felt so mighty as I listened to our new president's words. I looked at all the diverse people near me, and it really struck me how each person’s face was immensely intense and concentrating on his words as I also found myself doing. I could plainly see that each person was feeling this same sense of “mighty.” The willingness to do their part as Obama has asked of the American people is evident all around me.

Being in the same place as President Barack Obama and his family, the new Cabinet, Senators, past Presidents, and other leaders of our country was a thrill like no other. We all realize that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Standing in our nation’s capitol alongside a sea of people, all there for the common purpose of witnessing this moment in history, was exhilarating. During the hours of anticipation before the event, my group talked, laughed, and danced with strangers. Experiencing this really made me feel the unity and equality of all people, which is exactly what President Obama states as a mission for all Americans.

This entire trip has been such a blessing, and I understand now more than ever the importance of our school, Jones County Junior College, sending us here. Not only have I witnessed our new President, but I have seen the history and beauty of our nation’s capitol, which is something all Americans should have the opportunity to do. Thank you, JCJC.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Inauguration Tickets Given to All Jones Students & Faculty

Thank you to Representative Gregg Harper for giving tickets to the Inauguration of Barack Obama to the Jones students and faculty without prior tickets. It was a very generous gift that will always be memorable and appreciated by all of us at Jones.

Pictures from Monday, January 19th

Oops!

Oops! For anyone that read the last blog and noticed the Vice President elect's last name, it is corrected.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

We Are One Concert

Today was an amazing experience for us as well as thousands of other people who witnessed the We Are One Concert. We were able to have an unbelievably close view compared to how far back the people went. In fact, most of us had never seen a crowd so huge before. When we saw Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and their wives walk down the steps at the beginning of the show, we were in awe of the magnitude of the moment. We got the opportunity to see other well known entertainers and speakers as well such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Steve Carell, Jamie Foxx, Josh Groban and more. This was an amazing opportunity that I will never forget.

Pictures from Washington D.C. so far

Photos from SIcily Axton

















Arrived

Last night at 10:00 p.m., about thirty travelers, made up of students and faculty, started on our trip to Washington D.C. Everyone’s excitement did not keep them from sleep too long; most were out within an hour.

After seventeen hours on the bus, I managed only about three hours of sleep, divided into about twenty minute intervals each. I envy those who can sleep in a tight space with a roaring engine in their ears.

We stopped this morning at Cracker Barrel in Virginia to stretch our legs and to eat breakfast. This really helped everyone’s mood. Stepping out of the bus was my first time to experience ten degree weather. It was not too bad, but my opinion may change when I stand in it for hours in the days to come.

Everyone is very excited about the concert on Sunday that we hopefully will be able to attend. Lots of great artists are scheduled to appear including my most personal favorite of all time, Josh Groban. I am absolutely thrilled with the possibility of seeing him in concert. It would make this trip even more surreal.

Tonight we went ice skating, and everyone had a great time despite the frigid weather. I have been skating once in my life; therefore, I held on to the rails most of the night. When I finally was able to get in the middle and skate fast (holding on to two guy’s arms), it was very exhilarating.

After skating we walked around D.C. to find a local place to eat called Harry’s. During this time of walking around the city was my first experience seeing the Washington Monument and the capitol. Seeing these two landmarks of our country in person rather than in pictures was an awesome experience.

This city is absolutely amazing. The huge buildings on every corner are a remarkable sight. We are so excited for the days ahead and all the activities we have planned to have even more time to look around and take it all in. I can’t wait!

Sicily

On the way

Everyone on the trip will be in Washington D.C. after lunch tomorrow and only days away from Barack Obama's inauguration.

We are going to have an amazing time, and I plan on soaking up every bit of the exciting atmosphere that I possibly can!Our bus leaves at 10:00 p.m. I'm thrilled to get this trip started but fifteen hours will be a long ride!

To keep everyone occupied, I plan on bringing my favorite DVDs, which are seasons one and two of the television show, The Office.

Sicily