Being a part of Chris Christie’s presidential announcement

Media everywhere - cameras, recording devices and press from all walks of life gathered at the crack of dawn for a historic announcement on June 30 at Livingston High School. Hours later, Gov. Chris Christie, a small town New Jersey boy, would announce his plans to join the pool of Republican candidates seeking the presidential nomination.

This summer, I am spending my time interning in the news department at New Jersey 101.5. I have had some pretty amazing opportunities, including assisting one of the station's reporters the day of the governor's announcement.

At 7 a.m., local, state and national press were already lined up and going live on the air.

I have the best summer internship ever, I thought as I watched former U.S. Senators and New Jersey Assembly members line the auxiliary gym.

Then it started getting crowded, and I mean really crowded. People of every race and religion piled in to this small arena - some with children and some who were close friends of Christie himself.

The excitement rose once the room was full. Cheers echoed and signs flew everywhere as supporters anxiously awaited Christie’s long-awaited announcement. The small, hockey puck-sized stage was ready for the main event.

Before the announcement, I snuck outside with NJ101.5 Statehouse Correspondent Kevin McArdle, to catch a glimpse of Christie’s high school championship baseball photo.

It’s crazy to think that in 1980 he was on his public high school’s baseball team, just like I was on my public high school’s dance team. That just goes to show that any American kid who really wants to succeed has that opportunity.

When we returned to the gym, I could barely see straight with cameras flashing everywhere. With signs swinging, cheers chanting, and news anchors live on air, it was finally time for the main event. Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen blasted as background music, showing Christie’s Jersey pride. With each announcer the room grew more still and the air grew thicker.

Finally, it was time. After two introductions from Christie's hometown friends, Christie himself was ready to take the stage. The announcer's voice sounded “The Future President of the United States” as Christie walked out to a tune by Bon Jovi’s.

And the crowd exploded.

There we were, on top of each other, huddled together - just like the state of New Jersey.

“In New Jersey, we have to do it together, we have no choice but to work together. America needs to work together again,” said Christie as the crowd went wild.

And then, it was over. Just as the room filled up quickly, it emptied out even faster. But when the room was empty, something was different. A new presidential candidate was announced in Livingston High that day, and not just anyone, the governor of the state of New Jersey.