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Economy, Jobs, Guns: College Students On Second-Term Priorities

Michael Brindley / NHPR

  Students and staff at Saint Anselm College gathered Monday to watch President Barack Obama take the oath of office.

When asked what should be the top priority on Obama’s agenda for his second term, the students were not short on opinions.

“He really needs to get serious about deficit reduction.”

“Probably education I think. All college students are really concerned.”

“I’d really like to see him tackle climate change legislation.”

Red, white and blue streamers were strung across the student center, as big-screen TVs carried the president’s speech.

Roughly two dozen people turned out to the event, many snapping photos or taking videos with their smartphones, capturing the moment.

But while Monday was a day of celebration, Richard Serino says there is plenty of work to be done in Obama’s second term. Serino is studying international relations and politics.

And he says first on the list of things to do should be fixing and rebuilding the economy and helping to secure jobs:

“Especially for students like myself. As I’m graduating next year, I’m getting a little nervous in the current jobs market. I’m hoping to find a job right after graduation.”

Grace Keating, a politics major, believes Obama’s first order of business needs to be gun control.

“Especially in light of recent events. A lot of talking has been done, but not a lot of action has been taken yet.”

The inauguration viewing party was hosted by the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, as well as the college’s political library and multicultural center.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.

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