April 3, 2013
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Shaking the President’s Hand, and More! My White House Experience
No April Fools joke here! On April 1st, I was at the White House all day. Why was I there? I was fortunate enough to be selected to be among a small group of tennis trainers that ran the tennis area of the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. It was a long day with few breaks, but it was worth it.
Doh, should have have read that first before opening
Make way for the talent!Over the course of 12 hours, more than 30,000 kids and parents from around the country visited the south lawn of the White House to participate in many type of activities, including tennis.
Playing a game called “Splat”
My guilty pleasure boy band was here. The Wanted!
Gangnam Style, Hula Hoop edition
Numerous celebrities were roaming around too, with a few stopping by the court to hit. One of them happened to be Jared from Subway! He hung out for a couple hours by the court, so I got the chance to talk with his family and him for a while. What a pleasant guy.
Other guests that stopped by our court included…
Victor Cruz from the NY Giants
Kid President from YouTube
Later that morning, we saw a couple guys that looked like this walking in. That meant one thing…the special guest has arrived!The POTUS is here! The POTUS is here!
The real life Obama “Not Bad” face!
Jared and his son watches as Obama blesses a child (or maybe just giving a high five)After going down the line of the large crowd shaking hands with everyone, Mr. President finally made it to me:
I love my job.It was privilege to represent tennis at the White House Easter Egg Roll, and I will never forget this day. Hopefully, I will get a chance to return next year!
Comments (82)
Not bad for an April Fool’s Day. You have elevated tennis, and Subway!
That is so super cool!
In your honor I will have a no Obama bashing day on my site
Too bad it couldn’t have been a better president to meet
hahaha.
But it looks like you still had a good day!
This is very cool and Ty for sharing it.
OMGZ FAKES!!!11! PHOTOSHOPPS!!
Because Alex = AMURICA.
Super awesome! Also, it just tickles me that Kid President was there.
Did you fistbump Jared and tell him “Eat fresh?”
so jealous! Victor Cruz and the president! Looks like a fun day
Super cool.
It’s a good thing Obama didn’t call you out on opening that shed.
that’s pretty freaking awesome!!
Congratulations. I am jealous. That is such a great memory for every one to have.
DON’T WASH YOUR HANDS.
Not until the GF starts complaining.
wtf?? obama “blessing” a child? sorry, but that ruined an otherwise terrific post.
You probably should chop your hand off and list it on ebay. reserve it for an obscene amount though.
very kewl
as a xanga ambassador, shouldn’t you give the president a xanga t-shirt, ask him to wear it, and then take picture together?
Oh, what a great day and amazing memories, SweetAdorableA.!!!
HA! 
I’m so happy and excited for you!!! Thank you for sharing this with us! You met some cool people! And, yes, “read before opening”!
HUGS!!! :-0
Even though crowds make me cranky, I look at these photos and think, “What an awesome day!”
Wow! Very cool. I’m happy for you. I’m sure the president was very honored to make your acquaintance.
Awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome!
That’s pretty cool man!
I don’t agree with a lot of what Obama does but I think he’s a really friendly, charming person. So cool, and you will remember this your whole life!
Awesome share Alex!! (Even though I’m not a Democrat…
) I really enjoyed the hoola hoop vid. That one girl in the pink pants and white shirt, sure had it going on. She did a great job hoola hooping to that song. She didn’t even miss a beat!
That handshake pic.. Say it all, you’re the man.
Dude, that’s freakin awesome!
a wise man, Jack Handy, once said. “I think a perfect gift for the president would be a chocolate gun. but he is a very busy man so you would have to run up and give it to him really fast.” i think it’s too bad more people aren’t as thoughtful to get gifts for the president.
Very cool
you are so lucky to not just see him but to shake his hand!
Did you get an autograph? I am happy you had fun! Obama looks happy too which is a good thing. Maybe when you become President of The USA you will be able to these photos to the public like Bill Clinton did with his photos of JFK.
Very cool. A couple of kids from my class went last year and I was jealous even then. Did you get a commemorative egg? Or do they just give them to the kids?
Were you nervous when you shook his hand?
That is pretty awesome you got to shake his hand.
How awesome! Must’ve been one great experience for you, Alex. And I must still have “The Walking Dead” on the brains ‘coz I momentarily thought Jared was the guy who played Milton on the show. haha Anywho, you kept your promise of updating once a month!! You deserve a mini.
You’re so lucky. Does the president have a strong grip?
Chinese Americans are not strangers to Obama. His step sister married a Chinese.
I suppose you are more proud to represent the state that you came from?
Nonetheless Tennis needs to be more in the Presidential spotlight.
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What’s up with the comment on the chocolate gun?? And of course there are people who do not like Obama but will put up with him for a day, just because he shook Alex’s hand.
Jared is still working with Subway? That is so long ago that he first started due to losing weight eating subway.
Pics or it didn’t…
Oh.
That’s amazing! I’m so jealous!
That’s awesome!
That is a pretty neat experience! Don’t wash your hands until I shake it… hee hee.
Crazy. I just read a very giddy blog written by obama about shaking YOUR hand. You wouldnt believe the pictures he posted. Those damn Secret Service goons have access to everywhere!!!
Looks like you had a good day
Did you ask him about the economy?
Way too cool! I actually met him last year because my organization won an award sponsored by the White House! He was taller than I expected (but then again I’m pretty short) and was a pretty swell guy. The White House interns told us that they were only informed of him showing up at the program less than 24 hours ago, so it really meant a lot that he took time out of his day to meet us! I’m so happy for you!
nice! looks like you had a great day. i never got a chance to visit the white house for a tour as a tourist. maybe someday.
” blesses a child” xD
- meeting the president and shaking his hand. Check!
Thank you for sharing that!
Coolness! Now I gotta shake your hands too. LOL
Nifty. I was about a hundred feet from him once, saw him speak in ohio.
Nice pics! THx for sharing! =D
so cool!
Awesome Alex!
AWESOME!!
How COOL is that? wow
…I gotta admit, I’m kinda jealous. It looks like you had an AMAZING time, though! Are you gonna get that pic framed of you shaking the president’s hand? Lol.
DID YOU LICK YOUR HAND AFTER HE TOUCHED IT.
It looks like a fun time.
Gosh the President and Jared…your a lucky dog and I hope you get to do this next year too!
That’s awesome.
@RighteousBruin - I’m surprise I didn’t witness any pranks that day.
@trunthepaige - Thumbs up!
@Marica0701 - Haha, well I am quite happy to meet him!
@laytexduckie - Shhh, almost everyone bought it!
@randaness - Are you a fan of Kid President? I didn’t watch a video of his until after the event.
@Roadlesstaken - But that 24hrs is almost over
@msfatale - I totally did not know who Victor was at the time, just walk right by him nonchalantly haha
@Super_Rob_of_the_Sky - He wasn’t around at the time, but then again I am pretty sure we were being watched by someone the entire time
@ZSA_MD - Going to be one of my favorite memories!
@CaKaLusa - I will seal my hand with scotch tape, that should contain it right?
@Thatslifekid - Then could get myself a knife hand, like Merle! Hmmmm….
@Roadlesstaken - I’ve seen a couple of them. He’s a cutie.
@maniacsicko - Sadly my Xanga t-shirt inventory has been depleted
@saintvi - Yeah if you don’t like crowds you would have not enjoyed the tennis area haha. Picture at least 100 people in the space the size of a half basketball court.
@whyzat - Yeah, I had to give him permission to be there. His qualifications checked out
@EmilyandAtticus - He is one charismatic man, that is for sure. He certainly knows how to work with a crowd.
@armnatmom - She was fun to watch! I would have joined in if I had more time during my break.
@SuperRat - Well technically, the President is more the man haha
@iones_island - You would not hear from me again if I brought that!
@Texasjillcarmel - I feel very lucky! What a privilege
@Tallman - No time to get autograph, but I think pictures are better anyway. I am assuming you are a fan of Obama based on your profile pic?
@DMMeyer - Didn’t get one, think they were meant for the kids. Almost thought about “borrowing” one of the huge display eggs though
@MzKeekz - Surprisingly not really. I think I got used to celebs that day especially after hanging out with Jared. Nice no eyes profile pictures btw. We’re twins now, kind of.
@TheTheologiansCafe - Very, I’m so glad one of my colleague was shooting video to capture it.
@Annieothergirl - I can see Milton! Yeah, if it wasn’t for you I may not have motivated myself. Thanks for the mini.
@TilWeOverdose - Yes he does. I made sure to return a firm grip as well.
@PPhilip - Mrs. Obama actually is a big supporter of tennis for kids, surprise she didn’t stop by too. Yeah, Jared is still one of the big spokesman for Subway. Subway supplied volunteer meals that day
@fLiPgUy31O - Pics and vids and pics and vids
@ElusiveWords - Yes, when will this meeting be? You’re more elusive than the President now.
@amateurprose - Ah if only!
@firetyger - That I did!
@GoneRetired - Nah, perhaps if I had more time
@HiArianne - That’s awesome! Yeah, I think he wasn’t originally going to stick around to greet the crowd but the tennis pro their reminded him. Thank goodness!
@rudyhou - I think they aren’t doing White House tours anymore, due to budget cuts =(
@nov_way - He does kinda look like he is in that shot, right?
@oxyGENE_08 - Hurry and make that happen!
@agnophilo - Nice. I don’t think I’ve ever been within viewpoint of a president until this moment
@oOo_itsJuJu - I think I will eventually haha. Just need to figure out a way to get a bigger quality version.
@ShimmerBodyCream - licked down each finger, just the way I like it. What?
@mlbncsga - I feel very privilege to be there. Thanks!
@aSeriesofFortunateEvents - @Erika_Steele - @greatredwoman - @CareyGLY - @lfespock - @CITYG1RL -
Thanks! Would have never guessed I would have such an opportunity.
@leaflesstree - @theKisSilent - @ice_babe_4eva - @xx_smilez - @Dobserver -
Glad you all enjoyed! It was so amazing to be there.
@thegunslingergirl - @Grannys_Place - @chronic_masticator - @downtherabbithole23 -
@RushmoreJ - @adamswomanback - @bittersweetromantic - @bluepillorredpill -
Thanks! Perhaps if I can attend the event next year I can find some way to convince the rest of the family to come out
@Roadlesstaken - Well my “first president” (when I was first growing aware of politics) was george bush… so I’m kind of glad it was a first for me, lol.
@Roadlesstaken - You probably were. My luck would be that Obama would see me opening his private shed (which is a bit crappier than I would’ve thought) and then refuse to shake my hand out of spite. It would make for a good bad luck Brian meme.
whoaaaa that is SO COOL!!!!!
Yes I am a Obama Supporter…Even I am a bit disappointed…I think he can be stronger than what he has been…but I think overall he has been a good president but not a great one.
Cool!
@shenggai - @yan_ni - There is going to be a new frame photo in my place now!
Wow! that’s super cool! hahaha I love that not bad face photo. I recognise that photographer who follows Obama around XD
@Roadlesstaken - WHAAAT!! bummer. there goes my chance
@Got_Claws - Obama is indeed the best at making the not bad face haha
awesome post. So is Jared still representing subway nowadays? to meet the President of the U.S. would be a dream come true.
@HeartLUST - He is! He helped sponsor free subs for volunteers.