On any other Thursday, I would be sitting in my woodshop class. However this wasn’t your average Thursday. At approximately, 1 p.m. on March 12, I was being escorted through Gate 437B at LAX along with my mom, sister and KidScoop Media Founder Michelle Mayans.
We were greeted by security as they guided us to our parking space only to find a monstrous Air Force fighter plane staring at us. It was very intimidating but the excitement of what was to come was starting to take over.
We exited our vehicle and walked towards a designated area, strictly reserved for the press. I was part of the press and that alone was good enough for me. All the major news stations were there, hoping to catch a glimpse of and a wave from President Obama. We had the best seats in the house.
I knew it was getting close as military jets started to land. Soon thereafter, Marine One landed. Soldiers were protecting Marine One as a mother protects her child. Such an overwhelming sense of pride came over me. The pride of being an American. As we waited for the President, we had the opportunity to speak with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. He expressed his excitement to us since it was going to be his first time riding with the President Obama on Marine One. He spoke with us and shared a few laughs and just took in the entire experience as though it was his first time seeing the President as well.
The anticipation started to reach a new level in me. Then, all I could hear was Michelle Mayans say, “here he comes.” Air Force One was coming towards us, as though it was skillfully gliding on ice. I couldn’t believe that the President of the United States was a few feet away from me. I felt as if I had a dumbfounded look on my face. I was excited; shocked… so many emotions came over me. Air Force One came to a stop, and then moments later, the leader of the free world stepped out, waved to the press, and began his decent to solid ground. I was waving, hoping he would walk towards us and take a few questions, but I knew that he had a tight schedule. He greeted his faithful supporters and walked to Marine One.
This experience would have never been possible if it wasn’t for Michelle Mayans and KidScoop Media. I would like to graciously thank her for this opportunity and commend her on giving me the chance to go where most people can only dream of going.
Not an average Thursday By Marissa
Thursday, March 12 was a day that I will never forget. I got see something every kid or parent would love to see; I saw the Presi-dent of the United States of Amer-ica. I also met the Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti. This experience was so great and so much fun; getting to see the jets and helicopters fly in and land was the coolest thing ever. The best part of this whole experience was watching President Obama walk out of the Air Force One and waving to all of us. Going through security was fun. You would think it would be scary considering all the things you have to do in order to see the President. First, we had to show our IDs to security, then we had to open up all the car doors, trunk, and hood of the car so they can make sure there were no weapons. After that they got dogs to sniff our cars and mirrors to check under our cars for any weapons. Just being there was so surreal and I’m so thankful I was able to go and I want to thank Michelle Mayans and KidScoop Media for letting me be a part of this awe-some experience.