Students uplifted by event, address

For some people, it was the idea of a “patchwork heritage” that made a tingling sensation rise inside them — a literally uplifting feeling — Tuesday during President Barack Obama’s inauguration speech.

For others it was the “unclenched fist,” or the words of the Rev. Joseph Lowery, or the music.

Many who gathered at Mary Baldwin College’s Francis Auditorium to watch Obama take the oath of office freely shared their emotions — most screamed, many cried and some whooped it up every time Obama’s daughters appeared on screen.

Aubrey Decheubell, a senior from Pennsylvania, pointed to the diverse musicians playing a harmonious piece as one of the most striking moments, one which brought tears. But she struggled to explain all the emotion.

“It’s just an overwhelming sense of hope,” Decheubell said. “It’s hard to explain, but I feel like I’m in a moment ... I feel like my children are going to ask me about this.”

More than 100 students gathered in the auditorium, frequently laughing and cheering in reaction to the events playing out on screen. Ashley Langston, a North Carolina senior, called out when Obama’s “babies” made an appearance, then admired the president’s red tie and dark suit. Later, Langston said she was intent on Obama’s national defense statements, which will affect her when she enters active military service in five months.

“He talked cohesion,” Langston said. “He really said a lot of things about coming together.”

“It makes me feel united,” said Tenika Shelton, a Louisa County sophomore. “He doesn’t just speak to one particular crowd: rich, poor, white, black ... It feels more genuine.”

“It touched me to see a black first family walking up,” said A’ra Alston, a Newport News sophomore who used her phone to record the auditorium’s big screen.

“I got it all,” she said.

Besides the anticipated moments to cheer and rise, perhaps the biggest laugh of the day came when Obama was caught on camera delivering a signature wink; or when he stumbled over the oath.

“I guess his heart was racing,” said Kenisha Commander, a Baltimore freshman. “It made you want to cry.”

After the swearing-in ceremony, four panelists led a discussion, frequently allowing students to share personal stories and emotions.

Political science professor Laura van Assendelft outlined points of Obama’s speech: his pushes to dispell political cynicism and redefine partisanship, his ability to encourage civic engagement and his use of a personal and “compelling American story.”

“This election really changed things as far as engaging people in new ways,” van Assendelft said. “I’m hoping that once you get your first taste of political activity that it whets your appetite for a lifelong involvement in politics.”

Others discussed the likelihood of seeing a woman as president.

Erin Paschal, College Democrats president, said despite supporting Hillary Clinton initially, she couldn’t help but be proud of Obama and America.

“I felt a sense of community,” she said. “I’ve never been so proud to be American ... I feel so connected to my country and everybody in it. I felt I had to call people. I was so proud to be able to share this with people.”