Biden’s inauguration was …

… exciting.

Jack Baudoin | Columnist

The inauguration of a new president is always an exciting time. It is the beginning of four years of new policies and initiatives. Inaugurations bring a new feel to the country. The inauguration of President Joe Biden was special because it signaled a time of healing for the country.

For the past four years, former President Donald Trump spread lies and hate while increasing the gap between the Republicans and Democrats. In his speech, Biden said he wanted to lessen this gap, which is a stark contrast to the previous president’s actions that divided the people of this country to the widest they have been since the Civil War.

With Biden now in office, I hope this gap can lessen. While I consider myself liberal, I have many family and friends who are conservative, and our relationships have felt strained the past four years. Hopefully with this new administration, the hate Trump spread will become a distant memory. This time of healing will not only affect the country but our personal relationships as well.

… standard.

Aidan Bengford | Columnist

Biden’s inauguration felt pretty standard. There were some parts that stood out, like the references to the violence that occurred in the Capitol building Jan. 6, but otherwise, it was what I expected from Biden.

He spoke of unity and seeing things from the perspective of the other side. I often hear from my friends and acquaintances that, after the last four years of rudeness and attacks, Trump supporters don’t deserve our kindness. But really, I don’t think it’s about what they deserve. They are still there and still important, so respect is really the only way to move forward.

This was the first election I voted in, and seeing the effect my vote had right in front of me felt pretty cool. Sure, on a large scale it doesn’t influence much, but that’s not the point. Being able to use my voice even on a small scale is empowering. As a student, I look forward to the changes this administration will make.

… unique.

Mikayla Magdziarz | Columnist

This inauguration was unique, and not just because of the masks and pandemic precautions. When a new president is elected, history is made nonetheless. But what made Wednesday’s inauguration stand out from any other in the history of America, is that Kamala Harris, a Black and Asian-American woman, became our vice president.

This is a step forward toward gender and racial equality. It was an inspiring moment, especially for young girls and women of color, proving they too could one day be a leader and achieve their dreams, even in a society that historically tells you otherwise.

Needless to say, I cried tears of wonder and awe. A rather powerful element of the ceremony was the poem delivered by the 22-year-old Black poet Amanda Gorman, who spoke so eloquently and passionately on the possibilities and potential our country has. 

This inauguration was a celebration of moving forward, a call for unity and for compassion and a historic milestone for women and minorities. It is an honor to live in times such as these, and I look forward to the future and seeing what this administration can do to ensure there are many more moments of triumph to come for all.