Last Tuesday night, students turned out in droves to watch the results of the presidential election at Usdan. As the returns came in and it became clear that Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) would be our next president, students celebrated with cheers and tears. Students set off fireworks on the hill and blared music from the Usdan patio. Amidst the yelling, dancing on chairs and glass breaking, Public Safety didn’t interfere, but stood by and watched, grinning. Even President Michael Roth was there, joining in on the celebration.
Amongst the crowd, collective shouts of “U.S.A.!” were heard, along with several other sincere expressions of patriotism. Although it may seem like a cliché, many of us can actually say that for the first time, we feel proud of our country.
The celebration paused when students crowded into Usdan to watch Obama’s acceptance speech, standing on tables and chairs to catch a glimpse of the president-elect. The sheer level of attention was something most of us have never seen. Students all around the room, like Reverend Jesse Jackson and Oprah, were genuinely crying.
Countless numbers of students have used their summers or fall breaks to campaign for Obama. His win was a victory for America, but also for students at Wesleyan; for the first time, we feel like we’re part of the majority again.
People often say that our generation has never had any big events or issues to rally around. Last Tuesday night was evidence that this was our “big event.” Obama’s election to the presidency is something that will change how this country is seen throughout the world. It will very likely be something we tell our children’s children about, and we were all there together, sharing the moment.
Furthermore, for the first time Usdan, the so-called campus center, actually felt like the “center of campus.” Although we were skeptical as to whether or not students would actually show up to this campus-sponsored event to watch the election results, they actually turned out in record numbers, perhaps wanting to share in this historical event and make it the group experience that it became.
It’s true, Obama’s election to the presidency will not solve all of our problems. As he said in his acceptance speech, we have a long way to go, and it won’t be easy. We will all have to make choices and accept responsibility. But let’s enjoy this moment now. No matter what happens in the future, this is something we will be able to look back on for the rest of our lives and say, “ I was there.”
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