Many Americans gathered by the T.V. on Jan. 20, to watch a historical moment unfold which would transform the next four years of their lives. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ Inauguration was met with hope and optimism as this day marked progress and change for the future of the United States.

“The inauguration on Jan. 20 made me feel very hopeful and refreshed,” sophomore Aries Taylor said. “I am grateful that we now have dignity and respect in the office of the presidency.”

The inauguration included the special appearances of music artists Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks, as well as a powerful spoken word poem narrated by poet Amanda Gorman. Gorman’s poem resonated with many Americans with iconic lines like, “somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken but simply unfinished,” and “we’ll forever be tied together, victorious, not because we will never again know defeat but because we will never again sow division.” These quotes spoke volumes to the progression of America being viewed with optimism. 

“Amanda Gorman’s poem was incredible and so well written,” junior Johanna Luke said. “At such a young age, she touched so many people and truly became the unifier we needed. She wrote and presented the words our country genuinely needed to hear. While democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.”

The swearing in of Harris broke historic barriers as she became the first African American and South Asian Female Vice President of the United States. According to CNBC, Harris has made history a countless number of times in her career like being the first African American and South Asian district attorney of California. 

She gave hope to the next generation of young women, especially people of color with a notable quote, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last.” Harris has now become a pioneer for the representation of women of color in politics which has in turn created incentive for more women to seek political careers. 

In his inauguration speech, Biden addressed topics related to COVID-19 and climate change along with other socioeconomic and constitutional issues that had been given less attention under Former President Donald Trump’s administration. His speech focused on home-grown issues: denouncing white supremacy, political extremism and domestic terrorism. 

Many Americans applauded Biden for speaking on the myriad of these problems that hit 2020 due to the pandemic because of the lack of concern for these same issues during Trump’s administration. Giving these issues a valid recognition was a valued and courageous move on Biden’s part and was a symbolic way to start his presidency. 

“My favorite part of Biden’s speech was when he addressed that the cry for survival comes from the planet itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear,” Luke said. “He didn’t shy away from the myriad of issues left for him from the previous term. Instead, he was transparent, confident and bestowed a sense of hope upon the American people.”

The Inauguration is a symbol of future prosperity for many Americans, especially marginalized groups who struggled with certain policies under Trump’s administration given the political, economic and social struggles the pandemic had brought forth. With the day symbolizing a breath of fresh air, our faith in our leading politicians has now grown stronger. 

“I hope now that Biden is in office, he fulfills his promises, fights for democracy and unifies the United States of America,” Luke said.