Today is a watershed moment in American history as Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.

Never before in the lifetime of many Americans has such a frenzy been made over a new president. More than 2.5 million people are expected to attend the Inauguration ceremony, according to CNN.com.

While it is important for Americans to put their party affiliations aside and try to support the new president, it is also important to have realistic expectations for Obama's presidency.

Balance your meals

Most students probably worry about balance when it comes to time for study, work and play, but careful consideration is needed for that next visit to Market Square. Nutrition counselor Stephanie Dickerson said adding fruits and vegetables to the meals ordered in the Brown-Lupton University Union will give some diversity to your daily diet.

For Stacks Deli, Dickerson suggested lean meals like the turkey sandwich but warned against adding excessive condiments and cheese.

Saturday's successful meet held special significance for the senior members of the men's and women's swimming and diving squads. It was the final home meet of their careers at TCU.

"It's always good to go out on top," said senior swimmer Jason Hauck. "I've been swimming and participating in meets here for four years, so it's sort of strange knowing I'm not going to be coming back, but it's a good way to go out."

Finally, the day has come when we can begin a positive change for our nation.

The past eight years have left our economy and civil liberties in the tank, and executive authority expanded to the point that must have the Founding Fathers turning in their graves.

As power shifts to President Obama, it will come as a complete contrast to the Bush doctrine.

We have one important change already enacted on day one - the opportunity to hope for a better future.

Today marks the beginning of "change."

It is a change from Bush and what Americans have felt both dissatisfied and comfortable with, but the fact is that we are still in an economic crisis, and no amount of goodwill and high hopes can get us out of it.

Despite the variety of political views, backgrounds and majors here at TCU, everyone is in for a world of hurt after graduation no matter who the president is.

TCU's Mexican sister school, Universidad de las Americas Puebla, remains on probation from accrediting agency Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, but one TCU official said the university is open to restoring a previous agreement if the probation is removed.

David Whillock, dean of the College of Communication wrote in an e-mail that he believes the suspension of the dual degree plan will eventually be lifted and students from UDLA and students from TCU will again have the opportunity for a dual degree from both institutions.

The Sid W. Richardson Foundation recently donated $170,000 to the College of Education and the College of Science and Engineering to help local elementary and high school teachers generate more interest in math and science. Although this idea will help students to improve their grades and motivate them to learn more about the subjects and help teachers to know what will drive students toward careers in those fields, it's only a temporary remedy for a nationwide problem.