Amanda Gorman, the first ever National Youth Poet Laureate, read her poem “The Hill We Climb” at Joe Biden's inauguration.

Gorman’s poem is about succeeding through challenges and being brave. At only the age of 22, Gorman wrote this poem that many people all over the nation have been quoting all over social media about the courage this poem gives them, including Badin’s Freshman religion teacher, Becky Long.

“I post things that move me, that stir my heart. Her poem was just so powerful that I had to share. My two favorite quotes were: ‘We lift our gazes not to what stands between us but what stands before us.’ and ‘There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.’ We have such power that we don't even recognize. The way we reach out to those right there next to us - yes, our friends and family - but also teachers, administrators, staff, workers at restaurants and stores, anyone we come in contact with! All we have to do is tap into the gifts given to each of us, and have the courage to reach out and love and encourage each other. That's another reason I was so moved - here was this young lady using her giftedness to share love and hope. It reminds me of my favorite quote by Mother Teresa: ‘Small things done with great love will change the world,’” Long said.

Gorman gave others such an empowering feeling and helped others gain more appreciation. She truly lives up to her title.

“When I looked up the National Youth Poet Laureates, I see young people of all genders, colors, sizes, all walks of life...I see people full of passion, hope, and the courage to be vulnerable, to share a piece of their hearts. THAT is power. It's a beautiful thing. I think Amanda Gorman honored her fellow poets, and all the young adults in America who want to make this world a better place,” Long said.

Gorman’s speech impacted so many. The first time Long heard Gorman’s speech she was shocked.

“Her poem brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my arms. I have heard her perform her poetry before and she is just a beautiful soul with such strength and poise. Our nation needs so much healing and I thought her poem and the way she delivered it offered such a poignant image of this healing,” Long said.

The poem was spoken right after Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States. It was the start of the brand new time for this nation.

“I think her poem was super impactful for those who were open to hear it. And I hope it opened some ‘stubborn ears’ as well,” Long said.