All of my things have been packed and now off to sit at the airport for 6 hours. Everyone here is sleep deprived, but I believe we all agree that it was worth it. Some of the friendships I have made here will hopefully last forever and I'm thankful I was able to have this experience. I hope everyone has enjoyed my blog throughout the week and thanks to everyone that has followed.

-Edward Lee Major 

It was tough waking up this morning after such a long day yesterday. After breakfast, we traveled to EagleBank Arena to hear General Colin Powell, Spike Lee, and Abby Wambach. The first speaker, General Powell, told us his story of working his way up through the military and his time as Secretary of State. A quote that stood out to me was, "...there is no secret to success." This means that if you are willing to put in the hard work that the task you have requires, anything is possible and success will come much easier. Next, film editor and director Spike Lee spoke to us about his opportunities in the film buisness. With a film such as Malcom X and one of my personal favorite productions NBA 2K, Lee tells us about the importance of sticking to what you love and pursing whatever career makes you happy. Lastly, soccer legend Abby Wambach spoke to us about her life struggles and how she was able to overcome them. She was a very motivational speaker and most people could relate to at least something she was saying. Her stance that everyone makes mistakes in their lives and that the way you deal with them is what defines you really stuck out to me. I believe very strongly in this because no one is perfect and there is always a lesson to take out of each struggle in life. I am so thankful that I was able to hear all of these amazing people talk and believe I have learned something from each of them.

My morning started very early at 3:45 AM to an exciting day. We left the hotel around 5:00 AM and traveled to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. We looked around the Smithsonian this morning and returned here throughout the day as a warming station. Having the museum to ourselves was really cool as we were able to see all of the exhibits with ease. 

At 10:00 I left the museum with some of the scholars and headed to the National Mall. We stood about half a mile away from the capitol where we watched the 45th President, Donald J. Trump,and Vice President, Michael R. Pence, be inaugurated into office. There were screens and speakers throughout the mall that showed the ceremony and played it for everyone to hear. The amount of military men and other law enforcement was insane. President Trump's speech was very inspiring and I learned that if we all work together in our communities, then our voices will be heard. The impact the American people have on this country is unbelievable and if we all have the same mindset on bettering the country for future generations, there will be real change. Watching our new President and Vice President come into office was an amazing experience and I am so fortunate to be a part of this historical event and look forward to seeing how the new administration will run things!

-Edward Lee Major

This morning got off to a slow start after breakfast, as all of the streets were closed off for Vice President Biden as he traveled to the hotel we are staying at. We left the hotel about 2 hours behind schedule to travel to EagleBank Arena to listen to speakers.

First, we listened to CNN's Paul Begala and FOX's Tucker Carlson break down some of the questions asked by Envision students. It was awesome to hear the different views from the republican and democratic side of the argument in which were very in depth. Lunch was hectic trying to feed 2,500 people in a single arena with only 5 or 6 restaurants. 

Next, Mr. Ziauddin Yousafzai and Ms. Malala Yousafzai spoke to us about what they go through with their cultural differnces in today's world. As many know, a taliban member shot Malala in her head while she was on the bus and she survived. She works today to make a better life for young girls in her country and fight for more equal women rights. Something her father said that stuck out to me was, "You aren't the leaders of the future, but you are the leaders of today." This statement really made me think about the influence I have now and that I should voice my opinion to help make a change. 

Finally, we heard from previous presidential canadites Governor Martin O'Malley and Ms. Carly Florina. Both speakers had good arguments on each point from different views. The argument may of gotten tense at points, but they both knew the importance of respecting each other's views and understanding the other side. I think trying to understand others is a very important step for us to take as a county to become a more unified nation. 

- Edward Lee Major

Today everyone was broken down into groups depending on the topic that we chose to discuss. My topic is Imagining Peace: Conflict and Compromise in a Global Age. My group had a discussion about some of the problems that not only separate us as a nation, but on a global scale too. My group shared our opinions on topics such as cultural diversity and religion in the United States. It is very eye-opening to hear all of the different perspectives people take on issues and has helped to broaden the knowledge I have on each subject.

- Edward Lee Major

It is Wednesday morning and I have arrived at the airport in Nashville. Waking up at 5:30 was a little more than I was in for this morning, but I have made it here safe. My flight leaves just before 9:00 and I will be flying into Washington-Dulles Airport. My flight will land around 11:30 AM in Washington. After I leave the plane, I will get on the bus with my fellow students attending the summit, and we will travel to the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in which I will stay. I look forward to meeting my roommates and begin to make new friends as I embark on this Journey.

- Edward Lee Major

My name is Edward Lee Major and I am a junior at Hopkinsville High School. I will be attending the 2017 Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. this week. I was selected to attend this conference from my previous attendence at the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in 2011. I leave Wednesday morning on a flight to D.C. to experience an opportunity of a lifetime. I am very blessed for all the opportunities my family has allotted me and I am grateful that I was chosen to attend this summit. I look forward to watching the page turn to the next chapter of America's future. I will make a post about each day and all of the interactions I encounter. I hope you enjoy my blog and I look forward to telling you all about my trip!

- Edward Lee Major