My College Interviewer supports HRC & I made her cry

I interviewed with an advisor at Mills College in Oakland, Ca on last Tuesday at 4:30, to be considered for early entry into their Master's program.    

I got to the office relatively early and wandered through a few halls and I happened upon my interviewer's office. It was locked but I could see in and hanging on the wall was a framed picture of whom I assumed to be her and none other than Hillary Rodham Clinton. She also had HRC paraphernalia sitting on her desk. I damn near died.

While I professionally opted out of wearing any of my colorful Obama t-shirts, buttons or tote bags to the interview, I DID have on my tasteful little sterling silver charm bracelet with a little O B A M A 08 dangling from it. I thought about taking it off right up until 4:29. And then I thought about what I have stood for throughout this entire campaign and I decided I have nothing to hide, nothing to fear and nothing to gain by packing away my beautiful trinket.

My interview began promptly at 4:30 and I automatically found her to be a witty, intelligent and down to earth woman. I liked her. We vibed. We laughed. We talked about various issues that specifically revolved around my college major and many things that did not. She asked me a few questions about my educational experiences and goals, and ventured into pieces of her own history with Mills College. The actual interview lasted approximately 40 minutes and I was close to making my exit when I saw her eyes float to my bracelet. She eyed it. I shifted and smiled. I usually giggle when im nervous but I was able to stifle the giggle and merely smiled.

She sighed and leaned back in her seat and made the following statement:

"This isn't a typical interview question and forgive me if you find this unprofessional and of course you can completely disregard the question and I won't take it personal, but i've been wanting to ask an Obama supporter personally what makes him so much more ready than Hillary?"

I looked down at my bracelet and briefly thought about how to tastefully answer this question. I thought about many Dkos diaries & comments i've read, many of my own blogs, emails, and listserve comments about what makes Obama the best. I thought about Obama's campaign and how he has managed to not only take the high road, but has begun to re-pave it with his own brand of class, integrity and charm.

And I summed up my answer by saying that for me, it hasn't been about anyone being more ready than the other. No one can be 100% ready to run a country. Kinda like no one is ready for motherhood until it actually happens. I told her that Obama has painted himself in humble strokes  that has allowed me to realize that he knows he is not perfect. He knows that every word out of his mouth may not always be the most profound, and that every move he makes may not turn out to be the best, and in that I take comfort. I take comfort knowing that I might be able to help elect a President who recognizes his flaws which makes him willing to embrace his supporters ideas towards bettering our country. I told her that I feel as if an Obama presidency would include ME and MY opinions and needs, instead of acting solely on behalf of $$$ and political dirty-dealings. I told her that i'm inspired by his relationship with his family, his devotion towards being an excellent father and the passion he has for his wife. I told her that my loyalty towards his campaign never stemmed from a hatred of Hillary or any type of disregard for her political contributions, but has developed from an urgency to get as far away as possible from old politics. And I felt as if Barack fit that bill to carry us into a new era. I told her that as a young woman of color, he has supplied me with more restored Hope, Faith and admiration for 2 key role models (himself and Michelle)that I have been actively seeking for and have now found.  

My mini stump speech (lol) lasted about 5 minutes and when I was done, she was teary eyed. She nodded and apologized for being an "emotional wreck" but she has also fought hard for Hillary and this whole ordeal has wiped her out. She said she admired the passion I have for Barack's campaign and that respect should always be given where it's due. I wholeheartedly agreed. We shook hands. And I left.

This morning I received an email from her granting my application into the program and wishing me the best of luck in my endeavors, along with all of her contact information which she insisted I use whenever I need to once I matriculate into the college.

And her email signature read:

My primary battle may have been lost, but i'm now FIRED UP and armed for the UNITED war.

   

UPDATE: Thanks for the Rec guys!! It's now the 2nd thing to make my day :-)