First Day

This picture was taken during the Democratic National Convention that took place on my campus. I didn't take this picture but I chose it because I run into guys like this on campus all of the time and today was my first day back to school after winter break.

The funny thing is it's winter in Denver and there were a lot of shirtless people on campus today due to the weather. The high was 70 degrees, it was awesome! I found out what the forecast was and quickly put on my flip flops because I knew that I would probably be wearing snow boots by Thursday and I didn't want a moment of warm weather to waste.

So this morning I drove to the train station, with my heater blasting on my freezing toes. (It took it a while to get to 70). I was getting ready for my usual commute to school and when I pulled up to the parking lot I was surprised to find that there were actually parking spots available. Usually I have to park at the outlet mall next door and hike my way to the train. Turns out my lucky day wasn't so lucky because a freight train had derailed onto the tracks my train was supposed to be riding on so I had to drive to school. I was a little thrown off because I never drive to school.

Fortunately, I got to school on time for my first class, Culture and the Human Experience. My professor decided to let us hear the inauguration ceremony on the radio so that we could hear Obama make his speach. Now, I'm going to be honest with you. I hate talking politics. I have my opinions but I usually keep them to myself because I'm simply not interested in debating with people. I feel no need to justify how I think, it's a waste of my time. That is why I didn't commentate on the DNC last semester. I didn't even want to open that door. But I do have to say it's exciting being in the middle of all of this history. The energy on campus during that time was thrilling. People were protesting, others were preaching, some were smoking pot simply because the atmosphere must have felt right for that sort of thing. I almost felt like I had been transported into the 60's. It was just crazy.

As I was sitting in class today listening to Obama's speach I felt excited. It was interesting sitting there listening to all of this on the radio. It made me think of all of the people who did this many times, many years ago. They all gathered by the radio and listened to their president speak. It was such a different experience than watching it on T.V. I'm not ignorant but if I see a politician on the television I usually turn the channel. I hate that stuff, but listening to it on the radio today made it so personal. I actually had to listen to what was being said. As I sat there listening with my classmates I felt like I was a part of something. I was participating in history.

I felt like it was a little ironic that today was not only my first day of school but it was also the first day for our new president. As I sat there pondering this thought I was also listening to Obama stumble over his oath and it made him seem very human, endearing almost. I felt like we had something in common. This may sound corny but I revelled in the idea that today was the day of first days and on first days everyone gets nervous. So nervous in fact they may just announce to the class that they are going to pee in there pants...but we'll save that story for another day.