Once in a Lifetime

By Kenna Cramer

Ever since I heard of and applied for the Iowa program last year, I was excited. However, I did not fully believe the ‘hype’ around the program’s experience. Yes, I was excited, but no, I did not have such high expectations. I was told that I would not only gain close access to America’s most well-known political commentators but would have the opportunity to interact with the presidential candidates themselves. This just did not seem fathomable; such important individuals do not have the time nor the need to speak with us, in the grand scheme, unimportant Elon students. However, my perspective completely changed Tuesday night, the night of the Democratic Debate. 

Attending the debate in-of-itself was a surreal experience; we attended a truly historical moment. This debate helps Iowaians and voters across America aid in their decision of who they will vote for in November. However, my personal moment of realization began when I and my fellow students bolted to the front of the debate stage after the debate itself ended. I was hopeful that finally tonight would be the night that I would meet Mayor Pete Buttigieg. At Pete’s Sunday rally, I had come close twice to introducing myself to the presidential candidate. Tonight was going to be my night. We pushed ourselves to the stage (as politely as possible, of course) past Mandy Moore and past who I would later learn were a multiple of important DNC officials and affiliates, including the DNC Secretary and one of the pre-show speakers. 

Finally, we made it to the front. I am still digesting what occurred that night; I am not even completely sure what I said to Mayor Pete. According to my father, who saw us on CNN’s post-debate coverage, I threw up my hands in my apparently normalized way of communicating ‘Oh my goodness, don’t even worry’ (what a great introduction to a presidential candidate right?). The only thing I truly remember saying was my name and that Mandy Moore is now my new best friend. 

For the rest of the night, I was on a high; I would not stop shaking and smiling. Anyone in the hotel lobby (like Van Jones who I abruptly interrupted on his way to the elevator) could tell you that rather than being a composed 20-year-old student, I was more like a 5-year-old child who had just drank an entire pack of red bulls. There is truly something special in meeting the Presidential candidate whom you are devoting so much of your time, energy and heart into. Although I did not cry, like the first time I was remotely near him, I was and still am overcome with emotion; I am in both disbelief and awe. This moment enlightened me to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gifted to myself and my fellow students provided through Iowa: The Trail Starts Here.