Meredith student feels lucky to attend inauguration

"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.