Mattie Reitman's fondest memory of his first night at Power Shift '09 in Washington D.C. was the view from the grand staircase of the convention center.
"I was just sitting there watching as people streamed in the by the thousands," he said.
Friday night was the welcoming event for the environmental convention, which expects close to 12,000 people through out the weekend.
"It's a nice welcoming," said Jason Biser, a sophomore in psychology. " I know we're going to be busier. Tomorrow should be more eventful."
There were many motivating speakers for the opening night.
"It was awesome. Really inspiring," said Corey Zanotti, a sophomore in computer science and engineering. His favorite speaker of the night was Van Jones, the director of Green for All.
"His message, it was the first thing I saw," Zanotti said. "He made everyone feel like they're connected."
Mattie Reitman, a member of the Student Environmental Coalition and a Columbus resident was moved by Jones' speech.
"He said it was our generation's purpose to decide the future of our species," Reitman said. "To decide whether we as a species are locusts or honeybees. Are we a plague or a blessing?"
Biser was more touched by how Native Americans are affected by the coal industry.
"A Native American gentleman talked about putting coal plants on Native American lands," Biser said. Not only do they not receive any benefits or compensation but the land and fields could be put to better use, he added. Windmills would benefit everyone.
After the speakers had rallied the group, artist Santogold performed.
"Santogold, she was so sweet," Zanotti said. "Everyone was just dancing, having a good time."
The most important part of the welcoming ceremony was meeting other people eager to discuss environmental policy and issues.
"I'd say there's hippies slash yuppies slash whatever stereotype you can think of to fill in," Biser said. "Everyone here is concerned about environmental policy. It's a good group of people."
Everdeen Mason can be reached at mason.388@osu.edu.
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