WITNESS TO HISTORY: University of Wollongong Shoalhaven Campus arts student Sharon Solomon in Washington DC for the presidential inauguration.
MANY of us watched Barack Obama sworn in for his second term as US president via television; however one Shoalhaven Campus arts student saw him take the oath in the flesh.
Greenwell Point resident Sharon Solomon braved the winter chill in the air at the US Capitol where Obama stood atop the steps and was publicly sworn in.
The moment was awe-inspiring for Mrs Solomon.
“I am so overwhelmed with the level of patriotism that the American people exhibit during these times,” she said.
“It makes me wish that we had the same level of regard for the leader of our country instead of the level of animosity that we currently exhibit.
“I admire how the people join together in celebration of the inauguration of President Obama with enthusiasm and respect despite their divided political views.”
Waving her Aussie flag at the event, Mrs Solomon was also overcome by how many people recognised the flag and took the time to thank her for being there.
She now plans to get plenty of sleep before she has the opportunity to stand up and ask a question of Reverend Jesse Jackson in a ballroom filled with 1000 people.
“I want to do my best,” she said.
