Roanoke woman packed and ready for inauguration

Inauguration Special Report: Latest headlines, blog posts, photos, videos, maps, and interactive features all focusing on the inauguration.

Sarah Goodman has her suitcase packed and ready.

“I think this duffle bag is going to be about the size I want to take with me,“ Goodman said.

But for Goodman, it is not about what she’s taking; it is about what she is going to see.

“I am really excited,“ she said.

She is excited to see the inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama. 

“I just feel like this is my generations big chance to do something that’s great.“

She normally sports a minivan around town with an Obama sticker on the side to show her support, but on this trip she will be riding in style – taking a 15 passenger van.

“It’s going to be chalked full of 15 adult people squeezed in it.“

Among those on board, a videographer from a popular British newspaper and website called the Guardian.

Goodman and the rest of the crew hope to leave Roanoke around 7pm Monday.  Once they get there, they will stay with an acquaintance who happened to work in Roanoke during the campaign and now lives on Capitol Hill.

“We will be right there on Capitol Hill first thing in the morning, and hopefully that way we can get a good spot.“

She has got her suitcase, her t-shirt, and her spirit, but there is one little thing she’s missing.
   
“I really hope that I get a ticket, but even if I don’t I think it will be worth it—just to be there and be surrounded by all those people I think will be wonderful.“

She is a student teacher, a mother of four, now a TV star, and in less than 24 hours a witness to history.

It is going to be a big day for Goodman, but thankfully she is all packed and ready.