The White House looked just as majestic in person as it did in my high school history books. Its façade shone in the afternoon sun. An American flag waved proudly above.

I stood on the North Lawn, preparing to report live on Election Day—an unlikely opportunity that had come together in the span of a few quick weeks.

A wave of emotion washed over me. All I could think about was my grandmother, who died in 2020. She had always encouraged my passion for reading about American history. I remembered the book she bought me when Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, its pages filled with pictures of the White House. Standing there, seeing it in person, I wished I could call her to share this moment.

My journey to D.C. began when my journalism professor, Dr. Nick Hirshon, presented me with an opportunity that felt almost too good to be true. I’m a member of the campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, which Dr. Hirshon advises. He asked if I would join Student News Live, a global project he co-founded with Dr. Rob Quicke of Marshall University. This initiative aimed to connect students from around the world to produce 24 hours of live political coverage on Election Day.

Initially, I was assigned to produce a political talk show, interviewing a panel of journalists about election misinformation. Then came the offer that changed everything: Dr. Hirshon asked if I would travel to Washington, D.C., to report live as a White House correspondent. I eagerly accepted, knowing this was a chance few if any student journalists ever received. Later, I learned I’d be joined by another member of our SPJ chapter, Julia Menn.

On the eve of Election Day, we arrived at Union Station, where the Capitol building stood tall in the distance. The sight of it lit up against the evening sky filled me with anticipation. During our taxi ride to the hotel, the driver explained that security in the city was heightened due to the high stakes of the election. We were about to see that for ourselves.

After checking into our hotel, we walked around the perimeter of the White House. Security fences blocked much of the view, and the quiet streets created an eerie atmosphere. Despite the calm, the weight of the moment was very present. Regardless of the election result, we were on the brink of history.

Election Day began early for our team of reporters. After recording a standup at the Capitol for Student News Live, we went to the White House. At the gates, we presented our laminated press credentials and verified the last four digits of our Social Security numbers before passing through a metal detector.

Stepping inside, I was struck by all the activity. The North Lawn was a hive of media operations, with tents for CBS, CNN, and Fox News. But I wasn’t just there to observe. I was part of the action.

We first explored the press briefing room, a space steeped in history. The room, which was built over Franklin D. Roosevelt’s indoor pool, has been the backdrop for decades of major announcements. Seeing the White House seal and the American flag in person left me momentarily speechless.

As I wandered through the basement, I noticed the workspaces of several major news outlets. Passing by the room assigned to Fox News, I encountered Peter Doocy, their White House correspondent. Gathering my courage, I introduced myself as a student journalist and asked for a photo. He graciously obliged.

By 1 p.m., it was time to go live.

Julia and I had a feeling of suspense. I wondered how we would do. We would go live to viewers across the globe in minutes. I wouldn’t be reporting only as a student journalist from William Paterson, but as a representative of the hundreds of students involved in Student News Live.

Standing on the North Lawn, I spoke about the heightened security measures and the atmosphere in Washington. Despite technical hiccups—our earpieces stopped working, and for a moment, we weren’t sure if we were broadcasting at all—we were able to pivot and focus on the task at hand.

After the segment, I called my parents, who told me how proud they were and reminded me to cherish the experience.

Throughout the day, Julia and I conducted multiple live broadcasts and interviews. We spoke with journalists from Australia and Poland, who offered international perspectives on the election’s global significance. These conversations highlighted the globalization of our world and the vital role journalism plays in it.

That evening, we headed to a nearby pub to watch election results roll in. The atmosphere was lively, with customers in business attire mingling and discussing the day’s events. Julia interviewed a German journalist while I explained the Student News Live initiative to his colleague. The sense of community among journalists—local and international—was inspiring.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how pivotal my involvement with the William Paterson Society of Professional Journalists had been in preparing me for this opportunity. In the past year, joining WPSPJ has given me the chance to tour newsrooms, meet pioneers like Connie Chung, and connect with professionals like Anthony Locicero, a William Paterson alumnus now at the New York Post. These experiences laid the foundation for my success on Election Day.

Reporting live from the White House wasn’t just a professional milestone. It was deeply personal. It redoubled my passion for journalism and my commitment to telling stories that matter. The day also reminded me of my grandmother’s influence, her encouragement that sparked the curiosity and determination that brought me to this moment.

I’m filled with gratitude for the mentors, peers, and opportunities that shaped this experience.

The election wasn’t just another assignment. It was the day I stepped into my future.