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College students weigh in on inauguration

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  • Allison Miles •
  • Originally published January 20, 2009 at 11:17 p.m., updated January 20, 2009 at 11:17 p.m.

Monique McGee stood inside the Victoria College Student Center Tuesday with a tiny American flag perched in the one hand, a patriotic necklace around her neck and a smile on her face.

And, as Barack Obama was sworn in as president of the United States, she and others burst into applause.

"I feel like I'm on cloud nine," said McGee, president of the college's African American Club. "I feel like it was me that won."

The African American Club hosted an inauguration party complete with nachos, favors and a cake adorned with the newest president's face.

The party - open to everyone - was to celebrate Obama taking his new spot as our nation's commander-in-chief, said Andrew Edwards, the African American Club's vice president.

"It's a big milestone," he said. "It makes you think that anything is possible."

Joslyn Williams agreed.

The Victoria College student, who leaned quietly against a column as she watched the inauguration, said she never thought she'd see the day the United States would have a black president. She said she was especially glad her mother got to see Obama's election.

"It's indescribable," she said, as a tear rolled down her cheek. "It's telling of the change he'll bring."

Donna Trevino said she felt that as a college student, she had a better understanding of the election than she would have otherwise.

Last semester's government classes followed the presidential race, she explained, so she knew what was going on.

"Sometimes you need something new," she said, setting her business textbook aside. "I think this is a good thing."

And although Valerie Gudino, a Victoria College nursing student, admitted Obama is up against some hurdles - terrorism, the economy and unemployment, for instance - she believes he can make things better.

"I think he's going to keep his word," she said. "He'll make it through."

But it wasn't just the college-goers who got inspiration from Obama's presidency. It also has McGee's 5-year-old daughter, Jasmin McGee, dreaming big.

On Monday, Jasmin approached her mom and asked if she could ever become president. Although McGee said she would have told her daughter yes anyway, Obama's presidency gave her added hope that she could still dream.

"I told her, 'Yes,'" McGee said. "You can do anything."

  • HOW DID THEY VOTE?

    How did the college students vote in the 2008 presidential election?

    CNN exit polls indicate:

    Voters with some college education: 51 percent Obama, 47 percent McCain, 2 percent other/no answer

    College graduates: 50 percent Obama, 48 ...

  • SHOW ALL »

    • HOW DID THEY VOTE?

    How did the college students vote in the 2008 presidential election?

    CNN exit polls indicate:

    Voters with some college education: 51 percent Obama, 47 percent McCain, 2 percent other/no answer

    College graduates: 50 percent Obama, 48 percent McCain, 2 percent other/no answer

    Postgraduate students: 58 percent Obama, 40 percent McCain, 2 percent other/no answer

    Source: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/ 2008/results/polls/#USP00p1



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