Now that the debate and media have swirled into and right back out of town, leaving almost as quickly as they arrived, we can all breathe a sigh of relief- of course, with great big smiles on our faces.

It seems almost unbelievable that preparation for this debate in Oxford began a little over a year ago. Having the opportunity to assist in the Media Tent or "Media Filing Center" allowed for me to see just what all Ole Miss put into sincerely welcoming all media, Southern-style. All credentialed journalists received Ole Miss "swag bags" containing Southern "cheese straws," Ole Miss paraphernalia, candy from Holli's Sweet Tooth, and much more. Also, the same journalists received bags from Wal-Mart with small toiletries and odds-and-ends "just in case someone forgot."

As early as Wednesday, representatives and interns for Ole Miss media manned many different information tables in order to better assist our guests to campus. It was a great way to meet various journalists from all over the world- Japan, Ireland, England, Italy, Brazil, Russia, etc.- and to truly show them our renowned hospitality.

I would definitely have to say that personally the most amazing part of the entire week came on Thursday around 3 p.m. I checked my e-mail and there it was: The Golden Ticket to the first presidential debate! I truly believe I was in a state of shock until Senators Obama and McCain entered the stage. It is still hard to believe that I was actually in the same auditorium as these two great men, listening to them directly and watching their every movements at all times. I really can not justify this experience with words.

This will forever be a great memory to recount to my kids and grandkids one day: that I was a part of history in Oxford, MS my senior year of college. What a great way to end my college career!