Monday June 26, 2006

Waking up early for the last day, we fought through the bleary eyes, aware that today would be the most important day and would give us a chance to meet President Bush, something that we were all excited about regardless of political mindset. As the Capital was still recovering from the heavy rainfall, we were substantially delayed in our visit, which only heightened anticipation in meeting the leader of the free world. Once we arrived at the bright white columns of the President's residence, we were shepherded through various security checkpoints and led to the East Wing. Along the way, I marveled at the spaciousness and elegance of the White House, even pausing to take a presidential bathroom break during which I wondered if prior Presidents had retreated to that same restroom to contemplate in peace and quiet the weighty decisions of this complex world. Soon all the Presidential Scholars were assembled in the State Dining Room under enormous chandeliers and in front of priceless paintings including the same painting of George Washington that Dolley Madison saved from annihilation by the British during the War of 1812. In such a historic place we anxiously awaited the President, shuffling our feet, groaning at false alarms of his arrival, and smiling as the photographers circled our group, hungry for a perfect picture.

The most recognizable residence in America. And it has great interior design.

Finally, President George W. Bush arrived and we broke out in applause to show our appreciation for his time and effort in meeting us. The words he spoke were mostly congratulatory although he did implore us to look towards the future in utilizing our considerable talents to better the world. Though we unfortunately did not have the time to ask questions, I had the opportunity to shake his hand, a handshake that was altogether not firm at all. In retrospect, the President has probably been instructed to shake hands rarely and to never be led into a firm grip that could pull him into danger. Of course, that's just my speculation!

Even when the President left, we scholars had the pleasure of touring the White House with Secret Service agents as guides. In addition to the State Dining Room, we visited the Green Room, Blue Room, and Red Room, all historic and filled with antiques and paintings that populated our history and government textbooks. The most interesting part of the tour was that we were free to sit on 18th century chairs, walk around and peer out the windows, and relax next to historic busts while gazing around. In fact, the White House began to feel like home to me after a while! With the President being such an important person placed on a pedestal and distanced from a student such as myself, it is often easy to forget that he is just another human being, a public servant to America and the world.

Soon enough, it was time to leave the White House and we did so through the south lawn, a beautiful environment from where we could see the crowds on the other side of the fence peering at us. A one lane track ran around the grounds and the Secret Service agents discussed how President Bush liked to bike through the grounds, leaving his security detail often out of breath. From the White House, we walked over to the US Chamber of Commerce for a luncheon session on financial strategies for youth from GMAC and The Motley Fool. The representative from GMAC commented on our need to become financially independent as we reached early adulthood. He suggested that we build up our credit soon by responsibly using credit cards, which could eventually make a large impact in terms of how much we pay through the power of negotiation. Good credit scores equal better advantages in purchases, whether in leasing cars or paying a mortgage.

The following speaker, Bill Mann, the senior editor of the Motley Fool, spoke of investing and how to build wealth through that medium. The 4 dollars spent on a Starbucks coffee today, if saved wisely, would transform into $4,000 45 years later. Bill Mann also discussed his personal experiences and said that part of why he has been successful is because he doesn't like math or reading. Instead, he thinks about what a company is worth based on what it is capable of doing. For example, Fairmont Hotels had a building spree a few years back and Bill Mann thought about the resources necessary to build many luxury hotels in high priced cities such as New York and he decided that Fairmont Hotels was undervalued, which proved true.

With the economic and financial knowledge packed into our heads, we then proceeded to a discussion on America's defense with US Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England. This was a special opportunity to speak at length with a high ranking official who was involved in many of the decisions in America's military and foreign policies. Secretary England spoke about how the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were only battles in the longer War on Terror, similar to how North Korea was a battle in the beginning of the four decade long Cold War. He commented on America's continued employment of science and technology in an effort to stay the strongest and most advanced military power. His concern, of course, was our students' lack of pursuit in these areas, especially compared to students in other countries (e.g. China, Japan, and South Korea). The 2006 Presidential Scholars had a chance to ask him some questions, all of which were articulate and some of which were evidently difficult. One of the questions was whether Secretary England thought that the U.S. should withdraw from Iraq given that polls indicate the Iraqis democratic preference to this end. Eventually, the answer came out to the effect that Iraqis do not wish for U.S. intervention to end, which is a shaky conclusion at best. Secretary England also was asked about the extent to which freedoms should be sacrificed (response: it is necessary to sacrifice some smaller freedoms for greater freedoms) among other intriguing issues. More than anything, this interaction demonstrated the Presidential Scholar's social awareness and probing curiosity in matters of great importance today, which made me only prouder to be among such a wonderful group of people.

Inside of the Kennedy Center.

From the forum, we proceeded to change and then have a short dinner at the Fairmont Hotel's Colonnade with the Commissioners who picked us to be Presidential Scholars. After another exquisite meal, we were bussed to the Kennedy Center, Concert Hall a tremendous building that loomed against the backdrop of the darkening sky. Lining up by state, we quickly rehearsed our part in the evenings culminating event as our parents and guests arrived in hordes. Finally, it was time to kickoff the gala that would conclude our delightful experience at National Recognition Week.

Wearing our gleaming medals and grinning from ear to ear, each of the 141 Presidential Scholars strode across stage to the applause and cheer of the other scholars and the many guests in attendance. Under the spotlight, we scholars felt honored to represent our families, schools, communities, states, and country. With Deputy Secretary of Education Raymond Simon in attendance along with other honored guests, we also received another, final round of congratulations before taking our seats to hear varying remarks on the importance of learning for students, the importance of instructing for teachers, and the importance of parenting for the many happy moms and dads in the audience.

Finally, we reached the portion of the program that we had all been waiting for - the performances by the Presidential Scholars in the Arts. And they did not disappoint. From resounding voice vibratos cascading across all octaves to the blurring of fingers of the pianists and violinist to the hilarity and intensity of the theatrical events to the fast paced and elegant dances, my fellow scholars and I were absolutely astounded and inspired. Could our humble friends, who dazzled the audience, really be only seventeen and eighteen? Following each performance with a standing ovation, we clapped deep into the night, overjoyed to be in the company of so much diverse talent with our beloved teachers, parents, and guests in attendance. Despite a rain soaked National Recognition Week, we all realized the deep significance of what had taken place in just a few days - the bonding of passionate individuals committed to changing the world.

Three dashing Presidential Scholars with their medals at the post-concert reception.