Raleigh, N.C. — Although more than 1 million people are expected in Washington, D.C., next Tuesday for Barack Obama's presidential inauguration, Meredith College senior Maggie Bizzell counts herself as one of the lucky few to have tickets to the event.

"I've had people come up to me and say, 'Do you have any idea how luck you are?' I can't believe how lucky I am, how blessed I am to have this experience and have that ticket," said Bizzell, 22, a Kinston native. "It's going to be a very amazing experience."

After she graduates this spring, she said hopes to work in Washington. She previously was in the capital when she was part of a national youth leadership forum studying diplomacy and national security.

She said she never expected her work with that group would open the door to seeing her first presidential vote become a reality.

"I am an Obama supporter. I voted for him," she said. "I'm very excited that he is going to be the first African-American president. It's historic, and I'm excited to be a part of it."

Bizzell said she hopes to see old friends at the inauguration and maybe make some new ones.

"There's just going to be so much energy and support. I can't imagine what it will be like," she said.