It was worth a shot.
When she emailed U.S. Rep. Mimi Walters in November in hopes of securing tickets to Friday’s presidential inauguration, 13-year-old Isabella Ferris knew success was a long shot.
So to improve her chances of “winning the lottery” for a pair of tickets, the Hewes Middle School student included what she hoped was a persuasive letter.
“I have learned with this election that I am very interested in pursuing a career in political journalism,” Isabella wrote. “I have found myself debating quite a bit these past few months with other students at my school on why I support Mr. Trump. It’s been a lot of fun.”
A couple of weeks later, she learned via a return email that she indeed was selected from hundreds of requests to be among those attending as guests of Walters, who represents Isabella’s North Tustin community.
“I feel so fortunate,” Isabella said. “I’m going to be a part of history.”
Her mother Maria Ferris, who will escort her to the event, is equally thrilled. “The experience of being there and seeing it firsthand – that’s something you can’t learn in school,” she said.
Initially, they assumed Isabella’s compelling personal statement had worked magic, but later realized their prize was due to random luck – same as with the other 176 winners.
Still, Walters ended up inviting the mom and daughter to come by her office at the Capitol for a visit this afternoon, the eve of the inauguration.
“It’s exciting to see young people like Isabella engaged and enthusiastic about the democratic process,” Walters said.
Isabella has grown up with politically spirited parents. Her dad, banker Morgan Ferris, and mom frequently engage her and older brother Massimo in debates at the dinner table.
“They give us the topic and which side we have to take,” Isabella said. “One time I had to argue in favor of medical experimentation on animals. That was pretty brutal because I’m totally against it.”
Immigration is a frequent topic of conversation around the house. Ferris’ parents immigrated to the United States legally from Italy when she was 4 years old.
“It’s unfair to have two standards – one where you have to go through the process and it takes a long time to get here, and the other where people just come across the border,” Maria Ferris said. “It should be a fair process for everyone, and not favor select groups.”
Isabella said her mom’s passionate feelings inspired her to pay attention to the news, and she learned more about the candidates.
During the election, she often found herself in disputes with friends at school and at her dance studio.
“I enjoy making my point of view and hearing theirs,” she said. “We’re split about 50-50 for and against Mr. Trump.”
Even her best buddy didn’t get why Isabella would want to go to the inauguration.
“Some of my friends are like, ‘Why would you go to that?’” she said with a laugh.
But the friendships remain in tact.
“It all pretty much depends on how our parents voted,” Isabella said. “I know my parents have had a big influence on me.”
On the week of their departure, Isabella and her mother are mainly worried about cold weather.
“We just bought some warm coats,” said Isabella, who had never before traveled to Washington, D.C. “It’s going to be freezing – but great.”
Contact the writer: sgoulding@scng.com
