Would it have ever occurred to you that our Election Day would become an Election Week? That we would be able to successfully hold an election during a pandemic? That our vice president would be a woman with African and South Asian heritage? There were a lot of unexpected events that occurred this year, but this election was definitely a special one.

On January 20th, 2021 Joseph R. Biden and Kamala D. Harris were sworn into office as President and Vice President of the United States. This is not Joe Biden’s first presidential run, nor is it his first time taking residence into the White House. Biden ran for office in both 1987 and 2008. Surprisingly, his second run resulted in him accompanying the winner of the election, President Barack Obama, as his vice president. This is similar to Harris’ run this year as she eventually became Biden’s running mate. He was vice president of the United States for two terms (2009-2017.) He shared an extremely close bond with his superior and gave the American people an inside look into their partnership.

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris celebrating with a fist-bump after she was sworn in. Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

During this campaign, Biden emphasized policies regarding healthcare, climate change, and the Coronavirus pandemic. Biden has already worked on healthcare reforms in the past; enacting the Affordable Care Act in 2010 alongside President Obama. This was only the beginning of his work on improving healthcare and making it available for all citizens. He plans on “reducing health care costs” and making the system “less complex to navigate.”

The concern for climate change has grown over time and in the next four years, Biden plans to create a “Clean Energy Revolution.” It is based on two truths: that we must be more passionate in combating this issue and understand that the U.S. economy is directly related to our environment.

One issue that I am sure Biden and Kamala were not expecting to tackle when they each began their run for the presidency was the COVID-19 pandemic. He vows to handle the pandemic in a civil manner and “Provide clear, consistent, evidence-based national guidance.” It will definitely be a great test for the new pair. (Click here to read more about the new administration’s policies.)

President-elect Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden arrive at the inauguration.
Jan 20, 2021 (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The inauguration this year was a special one. With social distanced seating and masks that matched the outfits, it was sure to be a memorable day for many reasons. This highly anticipated event was further kindled by performances by Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Garth Brooks.

In his speech, Joe Biden reminded us that this is not just a win for a candidate, but for a cause. A cause that is supported by humility and compassion; where citizens can stand in another person’s shoes, and where we can understand each others’ pain, rather than ignore it – words of wisdom he explained his mother passed on to him.

“My fellow Americans, this is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope.”

President Joe Biden.
President Joe Biden giving his inauguration speech on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
Jan 20, 2021 (Photo by Patrick Semansky-Pool/Getty Images)

President Biden ended his speech by promising the American people that he will completely dedicate himself to defending and upholding the liberty and justice that we all deserve. He preaches for unity; bringing in people from both “sides” of the political spectrum and presenting what is best for everyone.

One special guest though delivered a powerful poem. Amanda Gorman, a 23-year-old American poet, read her piece of writing “The Hill We Climb.” Seeing a young, black woman on that stage the same day our first female vice president was sworn in was a wonderful sight to see in itself. Her words lit up the audience and spoke of a nation that must always strive to become its best self.

Amanda Gorman presenting her poem, “The Hill We Climb”, after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were both sworn in.
Jan 20, 2021 (Patrick Semansky/Pool/AP)

That even as we grieved, we grew

That even as we hurt, we hoped

That even as we tired, we tried

That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious

Amanda Gorman, The Hill We Climb

With a year like no other, we must be able to count on a reliable leader and the advisors they choose to surround themselves with. President Biden and Vice President Harris hope to be that confidence that we so desperately need as a nation.

I wish the newly elected officials a great term and I am excited to see how they push the U.S. to grow and reach its greatest potential!