Networking at its best
Experience at inauguration allows for chance meetings with elite

Editor’s note: This is the last of three articles documenting the reporter’s experiences in the days leading up to the Inauguration ceremony.

By Melissa DeLoach
Senior Reporter

WASHINGTON — The lady from the subway was only the first of many interesting people that I met. Wednesday, the day before the opening ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial, I stood shooting the breeze with Andrew Lloyd Webber, not knowing who he was at first. Then I met Jessica Simpson, but I didn’t recognize her because she wasn’t wearing as much makeup as she normally does on video.

I interviewed the Grucci family of New York. They are known for their elaborate firework displays. Their most recent project was the D.C. millennium celebration at the Washington Monument. President George W. Bush’s inauguration was their sixth inauguration for which they created a memorable fireworks presentation. It was without question one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen. The colorful fireworks came out from the White House, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

Missy went to washington...

Special to the Skiff A protester shows his disapproval of the presidential election results near the inaugural parade route Saturday outside the U.S. Capitol.

And just when I thought the Gruccis were enough, I met feminist Gloria Steinmen. I have never met a person with whom I completely disagree on every issue.

She is a lady who strongly dislikes the Bush family and — the most familiar name in Washington, D.C. — John Ashcroft. She has a way to look at someone and tear him apart. I enjoyed it. I think it is healthy to have conversations with people who differ from you completely, and she does just that. She made me reevaluate my thinking and what I hold strong in my life.

Washington is the Mecca of networking. Those with power in this country have strong ties to our nation’s capital. When I was tired and cold from a long day of sitting in the rain, sleet and mud of the inauguration and parade that followed, I did not want to do anything but be inside and stay warm. However, lurking in the back of my mind was that I had an inaugural ball ticket. I debated left and right over whether I would go or stay at the hotel. By this time there was talk of snow. But my grandfather and I left anyway.

Yes, it did snow. It was absolutely beautiful. The ball was a little bit of an exhibition of material wealth, but I enjoyed myself. The president and first lady had already come and gone, but we met so many people and exchanged so many business cards. And now I can say that I danced at an inaugural ball.

I bring back so many memories ranging from being there with my grandfather to actually practicing my aspired career. I also take back a love for coffee. Honestly, I’ve never been a big fan, but I acquired the taste during my many long, cold nights.

I didn’t want to leave.

I grew to love Washington, D.C., and I can’t wait until the day when I can call it home.

Melissa Deloach
m.d.deloach@student.tcu.edu