Harlem Week Opening At Gracie Mansion

Yesterday, I went to the celebration for the opening of "Harlem Week" at Gracie Mansion. I was invited with only a few hours notice and was reluctant to go because I was unfamiliar with event. However, I swallowed my nerves because I knew it would be a good experience for me. I put on my suit and tie and drove to the event, as I was nearing the mansion my mother noticed Senator Bill Perkins walking to the event, my mother and the Senator are acquaintances and she quickly prompted me to get out of the car and introduced me to him the timing was great! After some small talk he offered to take me in with him which would avoid some of the security hassles due to his senatorial status. I quickly passed through the airport-like security, agreed to take a picture with the senator later, and parted ways with him as he had to conduct some business.

Major Bloomberg

 I was all alone at this point, experiencing something completely new to me. I was used to being in the company of other teenagers at parties, not those in the upper echelons of New York politics. Regardless, I kept my wits and was able to navigate this new environment. On the stage I saw both the Mayor and the Governor about to give speeches, I decided that I was going to meet them before they left. Instead of standing as close as I could to the podium, I positioned myself to the side of the stage where I knew they would exit and waited. Both the Mayor and Governor had powerful voices that commanded attention; perhaps it was the fact that I was standing right next to the speaker but nonetheless I found it was very different from watching political speeches on television. When the mayor was finished he left the stage exactly where I thought he would and was heading right toward me with a band of secret service agents. When he finally reached me I introduced myse- SOMEONE INTERRUPTED ME! I had to awkwardly shake the mayor's hand again and re-introduce myself as a student blogger who was interested in getting more involved in politics. He understandably seemed slightly agitated because he was in hurry somewhere but agreed to take a quick picture before he left. 

Governor Paterson

 I did the same with Governor Paterson; the Governor seemed to be less in a hurry and stopped to give me some words of encouragement in what I was doing. Afterward, I spoke with Assemblyman Keith Wright who I met in 2004 when I was 10 years old; we were at a fundraiser for John Ruiz who ran for a district leader position. I showed him a picture of the moment (Congressman Charles Rangel was also in the picture) and he seemed impressed that I remembered him and introduced me to his son. He gave me his card and I plan to call his office later this week.

Senator Perkins

When I finished my runs I noticed Senator Perkins was near the exit. I was impressed that he brought up taking a picture. I decided to leave with him. As we were leaving he gave me his card and we parted ways. I was glad I decided to go; the experience has given me added confidence in dealing with famous people. I know that in order to grow, you must first step out of your comfort zone.