WE ARE ONE

 

We Are One Concert

The concert today was held on the National Mall fronting the Lincoln Memorial. It was packed with people as though they were filming another Forrest Gump movie. Cheers were ringing throughout the crowds when President Elect Barack Obama was shown on the screens fronting the World War II Memorial. The musical performances that were done were uplifting and sent roars into the crowds. Along with the performances, speakers were there to give some insight as to the Inaugural addresses of former presidents, but the main focus of the talks were centered around President Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The form of unity as people from many different backgrounds and from places far and near was astonishing. It proves that during as great a time as now, we are one. We are one nation, and as President Elect Barack Obama has said many times, “Change is now.”

Colin L. Powell

 

Retired General Colin L. Powell

The conference that I’m attending in called UPIC (University Presidential Inaugural Conference) and being a part of this conference has been amazing. We are only in our second day into the conference and  have had the chance to attend a keynote address with Former Secretary of State and Retired General Colin Powell. During his address he focused on leadership and its many forms. He gave brief stories about his days commanding his troop and gave fine examples on how a leader adapts to the situations at hand. “Become known as a person of purpose,” he explained to us with reference to President elect Barack Obama. His expressions of how being a leader begins with a vision and how a leader is interactive with his followers were impressive. As with true leaders, there will be some failures, but “a true leader recognizes his failures and looks past it towards the future.” His final words to us as a whole was to “build on your strengths.” This is the line that stood out to me the most. It takes a true leader to use the strengths he/she has, and to bring that and much more to the table when the time calls for it. It shows that a true leader is able to lead in a moments notice without preparation.

Almost There!

Is friday evening and I’m here in Virginia. Tomorrow I check into the program and get to get this party started. Its colder than I thought up here on the mainland. Adjusting to this weather has been easier with the right jacket though. Oh, to mention a couple of things, there are many commercials on TV that are about the inauguration, its about all the traffic that’s going to be happening, about everyone trying to get into the city. Its moving like a madhouse up here.

 

More longer posts will come once the conference started.

Getting Ready

Today is Wednesday, January 14, 2009. Almost ready to leave Hawaii and get on a couple of flights to Washington D.C. I still can’t believe that the inauguration is almost here. I’m so excited that its beginning to get a little nerve racking. Oh well, this is going to be a fun time and a great movement in history.

Introducing KITV.com Blogger Andrew Agbayani

Welcome to KITV.com’s blog by Chaminade University sophomore Andrew Agbayani.

Andrew will give his perspective of the inauguration, fanfare and surrounding atmosphere.

He has a history of participating in national leadership conferences. He was invited to the University Presidential Inaugural Conference.

Enjoy his insights and descriptions.