SCA Alumni Editorial Board member Angie Mrozinski sent us her reflections on the inaugural events today:
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility, a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task." 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama
As I watched the inauguration of President Obama, the crowd around me shared cheers of excitement, tears of joy and sat in rapt attention as our nation took a step in a new direction. Today we chose to create a new history to leave for our children. A history that will be built by every American.
Reflecting on all the important duties and responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of a President, I am reminded that he is only one man. But just as he is not alone in his work, surrounded by his knowledgeable staff and dedicated family, we too are not alone in our work. All around us are people ready to serve and work hard to accomplish what needs to be done- your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and those you have not yet met.
We have created history today and set our nation on new path. But our work is not done. It is up to us to continue our hard work together. Reach out within your community to fill a need. Reach out to your elected officials so they can serve us better. Reach out to one another across the nation so that together we might each have a personal responsibility within a shared vision. The success of a President depends on the success of a nation and its people. So it is up to each and every one of us. By reaching out to those around us, we can pull our nation up from the ground where we have fallen, to stand tall with our heads held high.