United We Serve

Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing in your communities as what we're doing in Washington-and it's going to take all of us, working together. I'm calling on all Americans to make volunteering and community service a part of your daily life and the life of this nation.

-President Barrack Obama

Today, I was officially sworn in as an AmeriCorps member. I didn't think it would be such an emotional moment, but in light of September 11 and the National Day of Service tomorrow, it really kind of was. Although the lady who was swearing us in really encouraged us to be completely cheesy about it, it was really kind of a powerful thing.

The AmeriCorps Pledge

I will get things done for America -
to make our people safer,
smarter, and healthier.

I will bring Americans together
to strengthen our communities.

Faced with apathy,
I will take action.

Faced with conflict,
I will seek common ground.

Faced with adversity,
I will persevere.

I will carry this commitment
with me this year and beyond.

I am an AmeriCorps member,
and I will get things done.

After our swearing in, they handed out bookmarks to us with the above quote from President Obama regarding his call to national service. It was really cool because I was in New York City when President Obama and Senator McCain were doing ServiceNation Presidential Forum on September 11, 2008. I was a Columbia University student, out on Low Plaza listening to our future President's call to serve. I feel a million miles away from Columbia today, but it's funny how things come full circle.

September 11, 2008: Columbia students on Low Plaza waiting to hear
from the Presidential candidates at the ServiceNation forum.

There were a very limited number of students that were allowed to sit inside Lerner Hall and see the Presidential Candidate's in person. They had a ticket lottery system. Over 20,000 students applied for about 100 seats. The rest of us sat outside on Low Plaza and watched the forum telecast on the big screen.

September 11, 2008: President Obama's call for service at the ServiceNation Presidential forum.