"A Beginning"

Hello there Everyone! This is my first ever blog and I am not quite sure how all of this works and what is "blog worthy" so work with me a bit as I might be a little shaky at first.

I am currently in New Hampshire where the first primaries are held. Woo hoo! We arrived at Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, New Hampshire yesterday and so far all we have seen our trees. I have never been to New Hampshire so I am very excited to do some sightseeing and to learn more about the role that New Hampshire plays in the presidential elections and the importance that role is to the state.

I believe this will be another exciting week for us, first in the nation scholars. Last week, we spent the week in Iowa traveling across the state to learn more about different aspects that play a role in Iowa politics. We traveled to KWWL, WHO and KCRG to see how they cover the Presidential elections and how they perceive their role in the election process. We listened to a panel of religious leaders and spoke with a Muslim lady about how they looked at religion's role in politics.

We also spent some time looking at local politics. Last Friday night, we attended the Bremer County GOP picnic with appearances by Mitt Romney and Senator Charles Grassley. I truely enjoyed having the opportunity to meet a presidential candidate who is one of leading Republican candidates. It was also great seeing the enthusiasm that Iowans have for politics and the importance they feel that their role is in having our caucus go first in the nation. This is truely something we take seriously. The local political leaders panel was an added benefit for us to hear how they perceive the feelings of Bremer County residents.

Overall, I have truely enjoyed being a part of the First in the Nation program and I look forward to the many experiences that are to come.