EAST LANSING - It was an exciting night in East Lansing as Presidential Democratic Candidate Bernie Sanders spoke at the Breslin Student Events Center on Michigan State University's campus.

Crowds waited anxiously outside in the brisk, cold weather before the event began and many were ecstatic to hear what this Democratic candidate would have to say.

"I believe he's the right person to be President of the United States. I think Bernie really cares about what all the Americans want, he's concerned about every one of us, he's a genuine person," said Lansing resident Preston Frazier.

"I want to hear the one person in this political campaign that actually has a platform. Bernie is the smartest person out there because he actually has a plan," Jackson, MI resident Scott Stutzman stated.

As the arena grew more and more filled and the crowd continued to get more hype, Sanders finally made his way on stage.

Cheering and standing ovations filled the room as well as chants yelling "Bernie! Bernie! Bernie!"

Sanders began his speech discussing the struggle of democracy mentioning "the struggle of democracy for 100 years was pretty simple…it was saying that ordinary people, not just the people on top have the right to determine the future of their nations."

He continued by hitting on different points of how change takes place.

"Change comes about when millions of people look at the world and say you know what the status quo is wrong."

He mentioned the women's movement saying:

"Did you all know that 100 years ago today, women in America did not have the right to vote. Women will not be 2nd class citizens!"

Sanders stated that when people stand up although their idea may be a tad crazy, his point being, that is how change takes place.

"Have a vision, be prepared to fight for that vision, understand that it won't come overnight but keep your eye on the prize and we can make extraordinary things happen," Sanders said.

Besides his ideas of how "change" is implemented, Sanders also discussed raising minimum wage, raising social security, and college education.

"I believe we need to make public colleges, and universities and tuition free! We have millions of people in our country, young and not so young, who are being crushed by oppressive student debt."

He also stressed the importance of foreign policy and discussed immigration.

"We need comprehensive immigration reform and a path towards citizenship."

Sanders even took the time to reflect on the Flint water crisis.

"Some of you are parents out there and I want you to think about what it would mean to you if you had a 9 year old daughter who two years ago was a vivacious young girl, really good in school, really outgoing…and over a two year period as a result of lead poisoning, you saw her intellectual capabilities deteriorate."

The crowd constantly stood up and cheered as Sanders made his way through his speech. He even made it a point to discuss his overall campaign.

"Here is the simple truth…I do not represent Wall Street, corporate America, or billionaires…I don't want their money! We asked the American people for help and what happened was really quite unbelievable…in 10 months we have received over $4 million individual contributions."

He continued mentioning:

"This is a campaign of the people, by the people, for the people!"

He closed his speech highlighting the wonderful state of Michigan.

"The great state of Michigan can play a profound roll in transforming America in helping us to go forward in the political revolution but it will not happen unless we win the primary here...so please come out and vote and thank you all very much!"

Afterwards, people were filled with emotions.

"I just feel so overwhelmed with hope right now and that's why I can't stop crying, I'm very happy right now. I love being in a room filled with so much love and not hate," mentioned Grand Rapids resident Taylor Simmons.

And some even felt like a weight was lifted off their shoulders.

"I felt very empowered to have all these issues that I've been thinking about and reflecting on trying to be active to help change in the world…be spoken by someone who actually has a chance to take office and to represent all of us as the people," Grand Rapids resident Alex Beecroft said.