It seems only yesterday that thousands of people were watching the dedication of the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center and Library in a steady, cold rain, but here we are, 15 years later.
I never could have imagined the impact the Clinton Center would make--both here in Central Arkansas and across the state. As a founding volunteer, I have been here since before that opening day and have had the privilege to see, firsthand, the difference it continues to make.
Why, after 15 years, do I still spend 16-20 hours a week volunteering at the Clinton Center? The answer is simple: I believe that President Clinton devoted himself to making the world a better place for all of us, not just in the United States, but around the world. When our guests come to the Clinton Center, we, the volunteers, are telling his story.
And it's easy to do because I still believe in a place called Hope. I see it every day.
I am still inspired by the story of a single mother raising her son, overcoming hardships, and seeing that young man work to become the governor of his home state and then serve as the 42nd president of this great country.
I have seen the excitement on the faces of students as they have toured the center and helped answer their many questions about the Clinton Center, President Clinton, and his work. I remember a senior citizen who, at the end of a tour, asked if she could give me a hug. Her words have stayed with me. She said that she never thought she would live to see the day someone from Arkansas was elected president of the United States, let alone get to visit his presidential library without crossing the state line.
She said, "Honey, my only regret is that I can't vote for him again!"
Many of the visitors to the Clinton Center are eager to share their stories about their connections to President Clinton and their amazement at how well he remembers people and events.
One of my very favorite memories was a few years back, when I was leading a tour of school children. It was a day when President Clinton and President George H.W. Bush were at the Clinton Center filming an announcement regarding the devastating tsunami in Sri Lanka and how we all could help.
As I was leading a group of fifth-graders through the library, President Clinton was talking to someone out in the hall; he said hello to the students and asked how they were doing. After that chance encounter, it was very difficult to get their attention again. As we went on with our tour, President Bush stepped out of the Great Hall. He, too, spoke with students. Tour over! The students were so excited, and all they wanted to do was get back to school so they could tell their friends and call their parents to tell them they had seen two presidents in person.
I have to admit I was in awe, too. Where else would one get this opportunity? The students saw presidents from two different political parties working together for the common good. It is President Clinton's vision to see that there are no barriers for students to visit the Clinton Center. To that end, more than 450,000 students and educators have visited the Clinton Center at no charge.
I have been at the Clinton Center for the whole ride and hope that I am here in 15 more years to see the 30th anniversary, and to celebrate the great work of the Clinton Presidential Center: the educational programs, such as Curbside Couture, where students can display their creativity by designing and making clothing from discarded items; the temporary exhibits such as the Legos exhibit, which thrilled youngsters; or the exhibit about Chelsea Clinton's grandmothers; the dynamic speakers who share their experiences; and so much more.
But by far, I love to talk to our visitors as they are leaving the Clinton Center and hear about how they are inspired to do their part and to make a real difference.
If you have not visited the Clinton Center, I urge you to do so; we are one of only a few states to have a presidential library. It is one of the highlights of our state, and it showcases the work of a man from Hope and his place in history.
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Betty Cook spent 39 years in education in the classroom and as an administrator before retiring in 2004. She is currently serving her second term on the Sheridan City Council.
Editorial on 11/18/2019