I hope to never forget the moment in 2009, when I sat in a first grade classroom with an African-American 6-year old on the floor next to me as we watched the Presidential Inauguration. Looking at the TV screen, seeing all the important-looking people in suits and ties, he eagerly whispered to me, “Which one is the President?” And that day, as Barack Obama took the oath of office, I got to say to this precious child, “The one who looks like you.”

It was no small thing then. I cried. I was so deeply and profoundly moved by what our nation had accomplished that day. I was so excited for this small child to see someone who looked like him leading our nation.

Likewise today, I couldn’t contain myself. There is something palpable when you are around children during historical moments. They more than likely have little to no idea what the significance is of the events around them (sometimes for the better) but when you are in the presence of children, and in the moment of historical significance, I find it impossible to not be deeply moved.

Today, my excitement overflowed. We were able to watch the swearing in of both President Biden and Vice President Harris with my homeroom today. We listened to President Biden’s speech, to Lady Gaga singing the anthem, and J. Lo singing God Bless America. We talked about how all of these people – politicians, leaders, singers, performers, security personnel – every one of them had been in fourth grade at some point. Learning fractions. Taking spelling tests. Trying to better understand what they were reading. And right before recess, we got to hear Garth Brooks sing Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound, indeed. I recalled for all four of my classes that day in 2009 and how I felt when President Obama took office. Today, I looked at the faces 10 year olds and said, “Today, it’s about the girls.” We talked about Kamala Harris. We spoke of the significance of all that she represents. But we also spoke about how President Biden is older, and how Barack Obama was so much younger but that didn’t impact their abilities to be President. We spoke about all kinds of different leaders and how each and every one was different. And we celebrated the fact that it doesn’t matter who you are, what gender you are, what color you are, what age you are, or any other factor. “Here, in America”, I said, “YOU can do and be anything!”

I know we aren’t truly there yet. I know that the color of skin does matter. I know that age and gender and race and religion and Lord only knows what all else do matter so many times when they shouldn’t. I know this. But for one moment today, in the presence of our future generation, I wanted to be sure that they believed it didn’t. I wanted every girl in every class to see Kamala and know that there are no limits to what each of them might do. I wanted to see our nation with rose-colored glasses, and to celebrate all the hope and all the optimism we can muster during ceremonial times like today.

President Biden got to work within a few short hours of his swearing in. There is, after all, much to be done. But for a moment, today, in Room 15, in a class of girls and boys; children of Color and those that are White, children who are from all socio-economic walks, various religions, English-language learners, some with learning disabilities – every single child unique – for a moment, I saw America as she was meant to be. I hope that today, every child in my classroom saw what I saw up on the steps of the Capitol – someone just like me. United. Excited. Hopeful.

Today I watched history through the eyes of 10-year olds and I was profoundly blessed by this not-so-little thing.