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Duke Students Attend Inaugural Ball

Duke in DC Sophomore Bryce Knutzen recounts his experience at the North Carolina Society Inaugural Ball

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Knutzen (left) poses with fellow Duke in DC students.

The tux didn't feel quite right. The collar felt stiff, the shoes too snug, and it just looked so formal. I didn't feel ready to attend the North Carolina Society Inaugural ball, mostly because I felt more like a waiter than an actual guest. As I stared in the mirror, (and as cliche as it does sound) I couldn't help but think how lucky I am to go to Duke and to have tickets to such a sought-after reception.

Most of our group wasn't ready to leave, but three of us were, and we took a cab over to Nationals Ballpark in order make it on time. Nationals Ballpark, though unconventional, was a picturesque venue for the night. It differs from Safeco Field, where my hometown Mariners play, in that it is more of a bowl, almost recessed in the ground. The three of us walked around in the cold for a while before finding the entrance, and we were greeted with hot chocolate, mere compensation for the chilly trek to the boxes where the party took place.

I had never seen so many well-dressed people in one place. Even the weddings I have attended could not compare. The garments, however, were only one dimension to the whole atmosphere, which was absolutely incredible. Red, white and blue adorned every conceivable crevice and square foot of space. I couldn't help but get a little caught up in all the little details, including the numerous donkey and elephant decals plastered on the walls. The vast ballpark in the background only added to the grandeur of it all. Each of us there took pictures of everything imaginable, and just taking it all in was a challenge. There was even a smoking section, not surprising for a North Carolina event.

It didn't take long before we descended on the food, Carolina's best. We piled Mac & cheese, steak, rolls, and salad onto our plates. The place was so full it was standing room only, although it did allow us to observe the other guests talking, laughing, and of course, networking - it wouldn't be DC without networking.

Our professors were easy to spot amidst all the strangers as their formal attire made them look out of place from the casual attire in class. They even encouraged us to dance, as the band, Liquid Pleasure, played a variety of classic and modern music. It was fun for me to watch one of my professors in particular dance with his wife. This ball really humanized certain people I have always perceived as pure scholars and/or policy makers. They are just like us, which is always something to remember in the current political climate.

What did I come away with from this experience? For one, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful for the future, and this is coming from someone who associates himself with the Republican Party. Some of my friends joked that an inaugural ball would be an "in your face" show of Democratic dominance, but I didn't get that feel at all. I know all of us there, conservative or liberal, rural or urban, want these next four years to be successful.

One of the members of the band addressed the crowd shortly before midnight, and he reinforced the sentiments I already stated, "No matter where you stand, you have to wish Obama the best [as he faces the problems ahead]." The ball was such an incredible experience, and words cannot describe how thankful I am to Duke for this opportunity. From all of us here in Duke in DC, we wish President Obama and our elected North Carolina officials good luck in these years to come.