On Jan. 20. 21 Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States. President Biden called the unordinary Wednesday a day marked by “democracy,” “history,” “hope” and “of renewal and resolve.” 

The inauguration was historical, as 200,000 flags adorned the National Mall, representing the crowds who could not attend due to the pandemic. The display reflected an aspect of the inaugural theme, “America United.” 

Spectators watched the inauguration across the country and the world. Among the viewing masses, were young people and students.

“What stood out to me during the inauguration was how many people there were,” junior Diana Perez said. “Past presidents and first ladies and other people of power all came together to celebrate Biden’s inauguration.” 

 Students shared their initial thoughts on the transition of power.

“I feel that the Biden Administration will provide promise and a better future for the United States,” junior Michelle Fung said. “Although it may not be the best, it certainly provides more hope than Trump’s administration will ever.” 

The inauguration outlined a formal ceremony with the utmost organization, which wasn’t the case exactly two weeks prior when the US capitol was raided in hopes to overturn election results. Tight security enveloped the Capitol, including 25,000 National Guard troops and unscalable fences. 

Students reflected on how the new administration will progress with issues such as polarization between people and political parties. 

 “I think with the extreme divides, the new administration will bring people together by benefiting both sides economically and with prosperity,” Fung said. “I believe that minority groups gaining more rights does not devalue the rights of the privileged. I do not see how a minority gaining the rights they deserved for so long will affect the ones who are already so privileged. They are not having anything taken away. The new administration intends to only benefit everyone.”

On inauguration day, Biden signed roughly a dozen executive orders, such as rejoining the Paris Climate Accord, canceling the keystone pipeline, reversing the Muslim travel band, mandating masks on federal property, halting the construction of the southern border wall, and extending the pause on student loan payments. Students shared their thoughts on the executive orders. 

“I loved his executive actions on his first day,” Fung said. “It is reassuring, relieving, and promising considering that Biden has and will do more than Trump has ever done.” 

The Biden Administration’s national response to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic will address economic relief, reopening schools, mask mandates, and racial inequalities. 

“I think the new administration will push to get the vaccine available to everyone,” Perez said. “Hopefully we can find a way to contain the virus so fewer people get it, and we can finally put an end to this pandemic.” 

Students address how they hope the new administration will tackle continuing issues. 

“I’d hope to see minorities and the LGBT community gaining the rights they deserve and to be treated equally to their white counterparts,” said Fung. “I would also like to see the military funding decrease, as the money can be used for other purposes such as education and jobs.”