Undergraduate
Presidential Inauguration BlogPresidential Inauguration Blog
Wheelock students Lucy Mock ’09 and Maulana Dorce ‘10 were selected to participate in the prestigious Presidential Inauguration Seminar hosted by the Washington Center Internship Program. During this 10-day program in January, Lucy and Maulana visited various government organizations, met with national and international leaders, and attended inaugural events ,including the swearing-in ceremony. Both students are Wheelock College Policy Fellows.
Lucy Mock, '09
Maulana Dorce, '10
The Big Day
January 20, 2009 - Maulana
Today was the day I had been waiting for since I had first heard the rumors about the dynamic junior senator who spoke at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. I saw President Obama deliver that speech, I heard the overwhelming response the speech elicited from the audience, and I was moved beyond all measure that night more than four years ago.
The Inauguration
January 20, 2009 - Lucy
Let me say first and foremost that both Maulana and I are incredibly grateful for being given the opportunity to attend President Barack Obama’s inauguration. There were several members of the Wheelock community who helped in sending us to Washington D.C., and it would be remiss of me not to say thank you.
A Call to Greatness
January 19, 2009 - Maulana
Today is the day we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a National Day of Service. The citizens of this country have been asked to “make a day off, a day on.” I signed up to assemble care packages for the troops in Iraq and to write them thank you cards. Thousands of people came to volunteer at my particular site, and that was a thrill in and of itself. Then, Michelle Obama arrived and participated in the event, as did Jill Biden. Michelle Obama handed supplies to the volunteers that would be assembling the care packages and, as they would pass, she would shake their hands and even give them a hug if they reached out for one. She was as elegant and warm as she always appears to be on television. While I was not fortunate enough to meet her, I counted myself as fortunate just to be able to serve in the room with her.
Reflections
January 18, 2009 - Maulana
Today was a day of reflection for me. Today gave me a chance to reflect on every sight, sound, and experience I'd been privy to during my time in Washington D.C. In addition to reevaluating past events, it was an opportunity to look forward in anticipation of coming events.
We Are One
January 18, 2009 - Lucy
Here are a few pictures from the “We are One” Concert at the Lincoln Memorial. It was amazing! What could be better than thousands of people singing along with Stevie Wonder?
News and Journalism
January 17, 2009 - Maulana
We were done with the academic portion of our seminar; however, we were given passes to attend the Newseum. The Newseum is a museum dedicated to the news and journalism in the U.S. Why does such a museum exist? Well according to the orientation video, the news contains the full breadth of the human experience. I was skeptical at first, but the Newseum presented the materials and exhibits in a way that made you see the components differently. There were countless exhibits that ranged from evidence from famous trials to a portion of the Berlin wall.
Visit to the Newseum
January 17, 2009 - Lucy
Things are starting to get more hectic here in Washington D.C. With the weekend came the crowds and a wave of excitement that has overtaken the city (and the Metro!). It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced: vendors at every corner selling Obama shirts, buttons and hats, the National Mall teeming with news crews, and the Metro jam-packed with tourists from all corners of the world.
How Washington Works
January 16, 2009 - Maulana
Today’s featured speaker was Sam Donaldson of ABC News. Donaldson’s lecture focused on “How Washington Works.” He did not speak of the formal workings of Washington; he spoke of how things “really” happen here.
An Evening with Mark Russell
January 15, 2009 - Lucy
By far, the Ambassador from Pakistan was the best speaker that we heard from this week. I must admit, I expected that the Ambassador’s presentation would be the most contentious: tough questions from the students answered with formulated and purposely vague responses. Rather, the Ambassador presented us with a worldview that was wise and practical, and full of humor. He presented a very realistic assessment of the challenges that his country faces, along with the region as whole, and its relations with the United States. Having been in exile during the rule of General Musharraf, Ambassador Haqqani seemed to me a man with a great understanding of the world. He said, “hope is not a method”, which I took as a recognition of accountability and a call to action.
Visiting the Supreme Court
January 14, 2009 - Lucy
At Wheelock, I’m lucky enough to be able to study History and Juvenile Justice and Youth Advocacy (my major and minor, respectively). It’s an unusual pairing, but one that I find to be constantly interrelated and endlessly fascinating. Not surprisingly, the history of the American judicial system has always been of special interest to me. From John Marshall’s establishment of judicial review, to the Warren Court’s Brown vs. Board of Education and In re Gault decisions, I’ve felt that (at its best) the Supreme Court embodies a justice that transcends opinion and politics.
Confirmation Hearing of Senator Hillary Clinton
January 13, 2009 - Maulana
There was an amplified level of excitement today because C-Span would be taping at the lecture sight in conjunction with the Washington Center for 3 and a half hours. The first hour featured a discussion with Juan Williams (National Public Radio) and Bret Baier (Fox News) hosted by Brian Scully. The discussion touched on a broad range of topics pertaining to President Elect Obama’s ascent, campaign, transition and upcoming administration.
At the Capitol Building
January 12, 2009 - Maulana
David O’Connor, a 22 year veteran of the Secret Service and a Boston native, spoke to us about the history of the secret service, his work in the Secret Service Agency, securing past presidents and preparations for this year’s inauguration. Ironically, the United States Secret Service was created by Abraham Lincoln; it was the last act he signed before his assassination.
The Inauguration Seminar
January 11, 2009 - Lucy
The Inauguration Seminar began today. We arrived at the University of the District of Columbia at 8 o’clock, and after an introduction by the Seminar staff (with information on what to expect while in Washington D.C.), we had short lectures by Professors Steve Bell and Michael Genovese, the two scholars in residence here at the Washington Center. They gave very interesting introductions to the two themes of the seminar: the Media and the Presidency, and the Peaceful Transition of Power.
Our First Day!
January 10, 2009 - Maulana
Our first day! We both arrived at our apartment in Rockville, Maryland, although Lucy got lost for a good half an hour, which is never fun when carting around 50-pound luggage!
