Interviewing the President

When my editor, Dante, sent an email informing me that I would interview the President of the United States, I was naturally excited and surprised. What an honor! My first thoughts were what questions should I ask, when would this happen, and, like every girl, what would I wear?

As the details kept coming in, I became more and more excited that this was really going to happen and the days began to feel like weeks. I just couldn’t wait!

The plane trip to Washington D.C. was amazing. When the pilot announced my arrival in Washington D.C., it all became a reality. I was in the nation’s capital, the home of the President, the home of the White House, the home of history.

The morning of the interview, I was able to tour the White House with my fellow Kid Reporter, Jacob. I remember adoring the White House Library. Little did I know that the interview would be held in that same room. Like any important day, there was a lot of preparation. Then a memorable moment happened. The President walked into the Library with a big smile and said, “Hello kids!” I was so surprised that he was right there that I gasped.

It was so funny because President Obama had mentioned how he was looking forward to this interview all day long, and I had been looking forward to the interview for weeks.

President Obama was everything I expected him to be: intelligent, well spoken, and very kind. He made every moment of the interview comfortable. It felt so good to be in front of the President and represent kids across the nation. I remember being proud to ask each and every question, especially my second question about children in my community. It felt good to be a reporter!

If I wasn’t surprised enough, President Obama surprised Jacob and me with Bo, the First Dog. Bo entered the room and I was able to pet him. It was so cool! Bo was so cute, soft, and well trained. 

Before we said goodbye, President Obama gave Jacob and me gift bags. There were several items in the gift bag, one of which was a pocketsize Constitution that he autographed with a personal message to me. When President Obama signed my pocket sized Constitution, I felt like he had known me for such a long time and he thought very highly of me. President Obama wrote, “To Topanga – Dream big dreams!”

Little did he know that I did dream big because I was standing right next to him!

Check out the Kids Press Corps interview with President Barack Obama! And for more news for kids, by kids, visit the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

 —Kid Reporter Topanga Sena

Photos: (top) Kid Reporter Topanga Sena stands at the podium in the White House Press Briefing Room, (bottom) Topanga's pocketsized Constitution signed by President Barack Obama. (Photos courtesy Topanga Sena)

Comments

[meta]

Dear Topanga,

What a wonderful job you did in that interview. You have great skills and I'm sure your family, school and friends at Scholastic are very proud of you.

I've met President Obama, too, and he is very warm and kind. I'm glad you had a chance to ask him about the things that matter to you.

Good luck in your education and your future! DO dream big!!

[KR: Miranda]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! You're. So. Freakin. LUCKY.

That's probably going to be the coolest interview of your entire Scholastic career. I saw the video, and you did a MARVELOUS JOB! :)

[Henry]

You did an outstanding job on the interview. It looks like you just might be a journalist someday.

[Leah]

Congratulations on doing such an excellent interview!

[mom and dad]

We are so proud of you! You looked confident and beautiful. Always remember to be yourself and to report the facts. Keep reporting issues that are important to you. You always work hard and it shows. Keep up the great job!

[Bobby]

You did such a fantastic job! I am so glad that President Obama admitted that he read Spiderman comics when he was young. If comics are good enough for the President - they are good enough for me.

[Jacob]

It was awesome interviewing President Obama with you! You did a great job! Great to have you as a fellow kid reporter for the interview.
Jacob

[Heidi]

Hi Topanga,
You did a wonderful job interviewing President Obama! You should be very proud! You were very professional and well spoken.
Good job Topanga!
Heidi Schroeder

[Toli]

Dear Topenga,

This is the best interview that I have seen by any age journalist in a very long time. Sorry that you could not make it to the Today show. But the show was able to represent your work very well. Please follow the advice of the President and continue to dream big!

All the best and Congrats!

[s]

You are lucky that you went to meet the president.

[T]

Thats so freakin cool. What's he like in person is he nice or is he mean. you are a very very very Lucky person. lucky :)

[j]

I wish I could be you because yuo got to meet the President!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[d]

Good job on interviewing the President.

[G]

Wow I wish I met the President.

[J]

Wow I can't believe you met the president I bet it was so fun.

[D]

What are some reasons you look up to our president?

[h]

I bet you were happy when you got introduced to the United States president Barack Obama.

[Kim]

You looked awesome! You have a total reporter look. How were you able to be so calm and professional? My mom compared you to Katie Couric. I know one day I will see you with your own show.Thanks for being an inspiration to 4th graders at our school. We think you rock!!!!!!!!

[Kaitlan]

Topanga, our whole third grade class saw you and we think you are so famous. You are a great reporter and you didn't seem scared. We are so proud of you and our teacher wants your autograph!

[KR: Charlie Kadado]

Excellent interview, Topanga. I'm sure this will be an unforgettable experience.