I had never questioned traveling to DC until the big day. Yesterday had little effect on my willpower. We left our location at approximately 8:00 am, to travel to the Bethesda YMCA for a shower. However, we ventured into the heart of DC (the opposite direction), which resulted in a delay of one-and-a-half hours. My Representative's office provided me with a window of 10 am to 12 noon to claim my ticket. I arrived at Capitol South Station at 11:58, and officially jumped in line a few minutes after noon. Naturally, in a rush to get into the van as to not delay everyone's shower, I grabbed my clean clothes and neglected to grab my winter coat. So, I was forced to wait in line outside the Longworth House Building in nothing more than jeans and a t-shirt. Thankfully, the temperature was around 40 degrees.

I did, eventually, receive my ticket, which turned out to be our closest ticket to President (my god, it feels wonderful to say that) Obama's Inauguration. We awoke on Inauguration morning at 1:30 am, only to arrive at our near-the-Capitol residence at 5:00. Roads were blocked, routes were improvised, and we arrived at our destination in less than an hour. I hobbled up to my Blue Ticket Line at 5:15 am, only to sit in line for three and a half hours in frigid weather. The first hour was a breeze; I'd toughed out harsher weather before. as time progressed, my hands turned white (even though I had gloves), and I was beginning to worry about frostbite setting in. I stayed put in line from 5:15 am to 8:45 am. We were then allowed into the standing area. My position in line was desireable; I was only 50 feet from the front of the line, when the total length of our line spanned two blocks, if not more.

During the inauguration ceremonies, our standing area dealt was positioned behind a riser for the elderly and disabled, who were instructed to remain seated during the festivities. However, the riser was packed, and some elderly women were forced to sit on the rail at the back of the riser (basically standing up). This dilemma caused people around and behind me to scream at the elderly, asking for them to "PLEASE SIT DOWN". In unison, angry ticketholders chanted for various elderly and disabled to sit down, singling them out in humility. I had never felt so disgusted in such a public setting. These people had the distinct privelege of witnessing what may be the most historic Presidential event in the last century, if not ever. However, this fact did not weigh heavily in their discretion, and continued to berate the eldery. It was a bittersweet and humbling experience, which was thankfully eclipsed by President Obama's charisma. The trip paid off.

Given the opportunity, I would do everything again given the chance. I am truely grateful for my classmates whose hard work allowed me to witness such a/an historic event. It will last forever in my memory as one of the greatest experiences of my life.