Leap day can be a weird day.

For TCC, the extra day meant a former president came to campaign for his wife, Hillary Clinton. 

Those in attendance on TR Campus heard Bill Clinton speak on many policies, including financing higher education. But he did a few things that will probably leave a lasting impact on students who were present.

Many of the students in the crowd were first-time voters. To hear Bill Clinton explain the impact their voices and their votes will have in the primary is something that cannot be undersold.

The next important thing Bill Clinton talked about at the rally was his respect for community colleges.

The former leader of the free world took the stage on TR and said community colleges were an integral part of creating and maintaining a prosperous middle class. He said he liked the open enrollment and the diversity of the student body.

Former state Sen. Wendy Davis gave similar praise to TCC while visiting NE Campus in 2014. It was inspiring to hear her story of attending TCC as a single mother going through the paralegal program.

Visits from politicians are important. Not only does the visit encourage students and make them feel as though they are a part of this huge election process, it also reminds them that everyone starts somewhere, no matter how big the politician is now.

Another great outcome of the Clinton rally was how many diverse-minded students showed up to hear a former president speak. Students who supported presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and others who identified ideologically as Republican all came together to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Hopefully, this visit will encourage other politicians — maybe including Republican candidates — to come to campus and share their message with TCC students.