Recently, Claflin University sophomore Mr. Isaiah Jones renewed his acquaintance with U.S. Senator Jim DeMint at a student leadership forum. The two had met about a year ago at a similar function. Once again, they shook hands and had a short, friendly conversation. It was the kind of brief meet and greet that is an everyday routine in the life of a politician.

But something about Mr. Jones struck a chord with South Carolina's junior senator. Last week, Mr. Jones found out that Sen. DeMint had invited him as a personal guest to hear President Barack Obama give his first State of the Union address.

“To have a United States senator invite me somewhere is amazing,” Mr. Jones said. “Was it something I did or said? “

Sen. DeMint said it was Mr. Jones' palpable leadership and character that set him apart from the crowd.

“His accomplishments are also a testament to Claflin University's commitment to training South Carolina's next generation of leaders. I'm honored to have the chance to present this promising young South Carolinian with the opportunity to observe first-hand one of the most significant moments in our political system – the coming together of the three branches of our federal government. I know Isaiah will learn a lot from this historic experience,” Sen. DeMint said.

The awestruck English education major from Orangeburg is still at a loss for words by the fact he will be sitting in the gallery only steps away from household names that shape everything from social security to foreign policy.

“At first, I was like, ‘Are you serious?'” he said.

When he listens as the president outlines his legislative agenda and national priorities, Mr. Jones hopes the president will specifically address one topic: education in America.

“It will be a historic event if it is passed. It is definitely a challenge to pass such a bill,” Mr. Jones said.

Claflin sophomore Mr. Isaiah Jones talks to fellow students about his forthcoming trip to Washington where he will attend the president’s State of the Union address.

As a student in the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, Mr. Jones is involved in numerous extracurricular activities which include the United Way, Performing Acts of Education, the Claflin Debate Club, the Orangeburg Presbyterian Student Association and the University's GEAR UP program, which encourages middle school students to seek higher education.

Mr. Jones' family has a history with the institution. His mother, Rhemell, is a 1981 graduate and his sister, Leah, is a junior human performance and recreation major.

This will not be the first time Mr. Jones goes to Washington. Last year, he was among the group of Claflin students who attended the historic inauguration of President Obama. He recalled the tightly packed crowd and the uplifting mood then. Nearly a year later, Mr. Jones will listen to the president again – this time in a far more exclusive setting.

“It is a wonderful honor to represent Claflin at the State of the Union,” he said. “I am getting the rare chance to sit in the company of so many great men and women.”