LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELFMY NAME IS. . . .

CASSANDRA WOOD

I am a mother of two natural sons attending school at the same university and three step children; two sons and one daughter who all serve in the military. My previous work experiences have equipped me to work with people from all backgrounds. One day, I pray to become a voice in the government for adults and children who are voiceless. After I resigned from my last job, I decided to use my time constructively so I generate most of it to writing. Although, I do not work outside of my home on a 9 to 5 job and clock in on a time clock. I arise every morning and begin my work day spending anywhere from 8 hours or more writing to meet deadlines, I have set to display and upload my work online. I chose the pen name heyday because I am in the prime of my life, which has helped me to step out of the box and feel comfortable in my own skin. Throughout the years, I realized that I was not the best of writers, so it has taken me several years to nurture my writing skills and build them up to achieve the confidence to publish anything I have ever written online with the public. I always knew that writing was one of my passions besides music, history, art and nature. Helium.com has helped me become more confident as a writer and broaden my horizons to believe the sky is the limit. I enjoy the feedback I receive from Helium.com because it encourages, empowers and enlightens me in becoming a better writer. I have found in this business if you are thin skinned you will not survive as a writer. So, as I endure this journey in life to become a writer it is more than just how I view the world through my eyes, but has become challenging through understanding others. A writer has goals and ambitions to become the next captivating, motivating, and inspiring voice in writing. Their aims are more than just becoming journalists, reporters, ghost writers, freelance writers, copyright writers, consultants and authors that exist on every continent of the world. The face of challenges creates hope, answers the unknown, and becomes a positive influence within the media, regardless of the conflict/controversial subject at hand.

  What Should the Next Presidents do to Restore The

World’s Economy Reflections: U.S. Economy Versus That Of Other Nations Christian Beliefs & Culture: The Christian Faith Journey Christian Beliefs & Culture: Short Stories: Christian   I resigned from my last job in March of 2008. I decided to

give my aspirations, ambitions and goals a chance, so I dedicated the past couple of months to writing. I have been writing for years.

  I was only three (3) years’ old when Dr. Martin Luther

King, Junior, gave his last speech:   I HAVE BEEN. . . . To THE MOUNTAINTOP!. . . . . .  

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I have always been inspired by all of Dr. Kings’ articulations prior to his assassination on April 3, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. King’s death was not in vain when he was shot and killed on April 4, 1968. His speeches have given me the incentive and motivation to write about “The Change,” in what he saw on that mountaintop bringing “oneness” into the Nation. President Barrack Obama represents the fulfillment of:

  “I Have A Dream For All Americans. . . . .”   I will continue to do my part to help accomplish what “The Lord” had sent Dr.

King and President Obama to do, by writing.     I received my first two recognitions in the year of 2002. I was informed of my

nominations as “Poet of The Year,” to attend an introduction in the United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., during the “International Society of Poets,” nevertheless, I did not have the resources to make it happen and my prayer life was not structured as strong as it is today.

   

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In March 2002, I was informed that I was being considered for an inclusion in a new edition of “Who’s Who In America,” published in November 2002. I did not return the paperwork because it was not time for me to come out into the public mainstream. It was my introspection that my writings finally paid off. It helped me attain a PIC 2009 Media- Credential in the National mall.

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In 2002, I had aspirations to attend the event in the United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., during the “International Society of Poets Summer Convention and Symposium.” However, I did not have many resources to make it happen and my prayer-life was not as strong as it is today. I use three resources and points of contacts to make things possible for me to attend the Inauguration.  

My First Resource - Acknowledging The “Lord.”: My first and most important point of contact and resource I used were this: I begin to pray for the “Lord” to put every resource available in my path to assist me in accomplishing my aspirations, ambitions and goals that I have set for me in life.

  My Second Resource - My Mother: She brought to my attention that she heard of a man

paying for people to attend the Inauguration, but, she couldn’t remember his name. The “Lord” made it available to me. .

  My third resource - Earl Stafford’s Foundation - I searched online and goggled anyone

providing financial assistance to people wanting to attend the Inauguration. Mr. Earl Stafford’s Foundation appeared on the screen. I called the Earl Stafford’s Foundation to have my name added on the list to attend the Inauguration, but to no avail, I received no response.

  Finally, I submitted an application for a PIC 2009 Media Credential one week prior to the

Inauguration. I received an E-mail from the Presidential Inauguration Committee granting an underlay for the Swearing-In-Ceremony in the National Mall prior to submitting an application on the PIC site as a volunteer just in case I was not granted a media credential..

 

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I was determined not to let any more opportunities pass me by! All my life, I have dreamed of working in the United States White House. It was like “Déjà Vu” when I received an E-Mail from the Presidential Inaugural Committed granting me an underlay for the Swearing-In-Ceremony at the National Mall. The election of the First Black Man was a historical making event, I would not have missed this “once in a lifetime” opportunity for nothing in the world.

 I am very optimistic to share with others my story line of success of which I have established for myself in life to further my goals, incentive, and aspirations. But there is a drive in me that will not cease until the “Lord” tells me to stop. I am convinced that I have a “gift.” A “God’ given one.” All I need now is the opportunity, with God’s help, to further accomplish my goals, incentive, and aspirations in life. My “faith in God” and “determination to succeed” has helped me, thus far, without the guidance of an assistant, agent or a consultant, and I look forward to continued success.

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On January 17th, around 9:00 P.M., my Mother and I left Jacksonville, Florida. Before I could proceed to Washington, I made a stop in Chester, Virginia to take my Mom to my youngest brother’s home who is stationed at Fort Lee, two hours away from Washington, D.C. I arrived in Chester, Virginia, around 11:40 A.M. and left around 12:30 P.M. driving alone, to Washington, D.C. I encountered no problems while driving to Washington, D.C., but the traffic was backed up in some areas, so I exited the Expressway to downtown Crystal City and parked at a meter near 20th Street behind the Radisson Hotel. I walked over to 18th Street to catch the Metro Train to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in order to pick up my media credentials before 8:00 P.M.

  I received my PIC 2009 Medial Credentials to the National Mall. I was assigned to cover the

Swearing-In- Ceremony in the National Mall. It was a difficult task, but well worth the memories. When I finally checked into a hotel room, it was difficult for me to believe and digest everything that I had accomplished, a fear came over me. I couldn’t do anything but laugh out loud because my mission had been accomplished! There was no reason for me to have any fear. I remembered that The Lord has not given us the spirit of fear and the only one who we should fear “IS The Lord” and not man, then I began to count everything as joy!

 

   

 

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The day before the Inauguration, I went to the National Mall, and met Dr. Karen Kossie-Chernyshev. Dr. Kossie-Chernyshev teaches history at Texas Southern University. She is no stranger to the mass media and has participated in history documentaries.  Her essays are contributions to society, which inspires me to continue writing to attain my goals in life. She agreed to do a phone interview with me about her introspections of the 2009 Inauguration. The interview was a go on January 22, 2009. However, due to the numerous projects I have been working on they have delayed the interview. On January 22, the same day of her new book publication, she sent me an email to confirm her interview. The first day we met I was very impressed and still am because her word is a bond. She is an author of the following essay; Stir Up the Gifts!- Articles- BlackandChristian.com Karen Kossie-Chernyshev enjoys personal essay writing. ... This article is used by permission. Copyright © 2002 by Karen Kossie-Chernyshev……www.blackandchristian.com/articles/pew/chernyshev-04-02.shtml

 

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After the Inauguration, I met Mr. Alvin Banks, a former Congressional Fellow who worked under the directions of Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, 18th District, Texas. Mr. Banks recently started a new job in the United States Capitol. His career endeavors are working in politics. I am waiting on him to reply to the email I sent, so we can proceed with an interview about his introspection's of the Inauguration..

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I met Mr. Derone Johnson on the metro train. Although Mr. Johnson could not attend the 2009 Inauguration, he said "I will attend the parade." He did not have much to say about the Inauguration. Anyone can discern from his expression—a face reflecting the persona of a reserved man..

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Mr. Beytullah Celik is standing to the right of his son Mr. Ceyhun Celik and they are fromTurkey.  The father and son were on their way to work at a hair salon in downtown Washington, DC when I interviewed them on the metro train.  On August 5, 1999, Mr. Celik and his wife and children came to live in the United States.  Mr. Beytullah Celik and his son gave me consent to share their comments about the Inauguration.  On February 4, I spoke with Mr. Yasin Celik the son of Mr. Beytullah Celik and brother of Mr. Ceyhun Celik to get the correct spelling of their names.  And Mr. Yasin Celik consented to his father and brother comments, too.  We're unable to attend the Inauguration. However, we will attend the parade. This year Inauguration seems like a bigger turnout. Washington, DC is a nice city to live. We love the United States and our newly elected President and he should be the World's President. .

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• Dr. Elvita G. Dominique is from Haiti and she came to the United States of America to study

and• become a surgeon.  Dr. Dominique lives in Long Island, NY and she would like to

adamantly share• with others how hard it was for her to attain all of the tangible assets written in The

Declaration of• Independence.  She too can relate to the oppositions President Barack Obama have

endured and compare• them to hers.  Most of all, Dr. Dominique is proud to come from Haiti and live in the United

States of• America during the time President Barack Obama was sworn into office.  This is a very

special • time and moments for her in life because she can share with others from Haiti all things are

possible if you • believe.

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Mr. Lanell Gray is 33 yrs old and he is from Philadelphia.  He is pictured to the right in the photo and to his left is his friend, Mr. Douglas Wiggins who is 27 yrs old from Kissimmee, Florida.  Mr. Gary and Mr. Wiggins comments about the 2009 Inauguration were transcribed by me in the notes section of my media book.  And they gave me their consent to share their comments.  Mr. Gary comment was this is a historical event, and I would like to be a part of it instead of watching it on TV and there is a spiritual connection, too.  Mr. Wiggins comment was I came to the Inauguration too see it live and meet new people who share the same common interest..

   

 

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It was an honor to meet Colonel John E. Angevine as I sat on the metro train en-route to the Swearing-In-Ceremony - National Mall, he boarded it.  I must admit, that initially, I was intimidated by his rank.  However, I love challenges because they have helped me overcome a lot of barriers in life. Sharing my writing proves I have overcame a lot of challenges in life.  When I approached Colonel Angevine he was very cordial, so it made it easy for me to ask him for his comments about the Swearing-In-Ceremony. Colonel Angevine comment was we're excited and looking forward to the new Commander In Chief taking office and a smooth transition. Readers I must say this because Colonel Angevine had the most cheerful expression on his face and you could see it in his face.  I was incited to meet Colonel Angevine because this is my opportunity to say thanks to him and so many others who serve in the Armed Forces to keep our borders safe and fight the war on terrorism.

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• To meet four aspiring young people from Brazil on the day of the Inauguration who were attending the

• Inauguration was fascinating because they are not citizens of the United States of America. They

• are exchange students from Brazil who arrived in Portsmouth, VA on December 12, 2008 for work purposes

• only. And will depart in March of this year to return back to Brazil. However, they took off the day from

• work to attend the Inauguration and visit Washington, DC.  I wrote in another article I was able to have

• their picture taken. However, I will have to complete this article without the three young women photos and only

• with the picture of Mr. Rodrige Ribeiro because I have not received the pictures of Ms.Patricia

• Lacerenta, Ms. Malu Martin and Ms. Camila Leite.  Once I receive their photos I will add • them.  I apologize to each of the young ladies for not including their photos. 

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Jean Ray is from Arlington, VA and these are her comments about the 2009 Inauguration: To be a part of history and to represent all ancestors who worked so hard to see this happen, but did not live to see their sacrifices come to fruition..

       

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Klara Grape is from Easthampton, MA. She shared the following introspection's with me about the Inauguration. The most significant Inauguration of my lifetime and world changing. I had to be there.

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What touched me the most, were the tears. . . . flowing down people faces and their expressions. In retrospect, being a part of this historical event meant a lot to me because of the memories, I can reflect back on the years to come. I am so glad I attended the Swearing-In-Ceremony in the National Mall. I got a chance to witness with my own eyes “History in the making - Our First Black President.” You had to be there to experience such captivating moments among the crowd of people in “unity” and singing. For once in my lifetime, I got a chance to see; with my own eyes PEOPLE, on one accord because of their own persona, ARE THE SAME!

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Two friends of mine who have graduated with a Ph.D. assisted me in understanding that:

  “It is not so important what levels we are on, but what we can share with and learn from each other.”   Therefore, my plans are to use this experience not for “my

glory” because it does not belong to me. It belongs to “GOD!” To GOD belongs the Glory!

 

If there is anyone out there in the media who believes, besides me, that I am a novice and live an amateur life, if you are interested in my story line, please allow me to make an appearance on your show conveying our coming together expressing your introspections about the Inauguration. Please do not hesitate to contact me online at http://www.helium.com.

  The experience and exposure I gained from this event will never

be forgotten, it will last me a lifetime. My aspirations and goals are to, one day, become a

Writer/Reporter/ Journalist. I was “blessed by God,” to take a picture with

Mr. Luke Russert. He is the son of the late Mr. Tim Russert, who is following into his Dad’s footsteps. The late Tim Russert talked about his son so much and his Wife. I was very impressed with the late Tim Russert because of his media career; therefore, meeting his son Luke Russert is an inspiration to help me accomplish what the “Lord” sent me to do.

    I met a gentleman who worked at President Barack Obama’s

Campaign Headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. In the past, he worked under the direction of Mr. Tavis Smiley and Mr. Tom Joyner. He shared with me some very good pointers about the media if I ever wanted to make it in this industry.

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Although my calling is in the ministry, I will never put anything before it because I know who my first “LOVE.” is   “I Have A Dream,” is A lot of Americans dream , which came true on “Inauguration Day” . I felt

the “oneness” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote about in his speech: “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”   When I see President Barack Obama, I see Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior. I find it so incredible that Obama and King accomplished what the “Lord” sent them to do.   They are “my inspiration” to help me accomplish what the Lord sent me out to do. All Americans will need to pull themselves up by the coat tails, put on their boots and tie their shoe laces tight, if we

want to stay in unity.   So, I pray that all Americans continue to stay on one accord to help make our new President Elect Barack

Obama’s transition a smooth one. However, a change can only come in America if we change our ways of thinking. Stay on one accord:

  Where there is unity, there is strength.   If we will stay in unity, we will become strong in numbers and our voices will be heard throughout the United

States of America and around the world.   I am a novice and amateur and I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.   All it takes is for you and the “Lord” is to believe in you and one other. When there are two or three

gathered in His name, “God” is in the midst.   Look Out America! I will work under our Commander-In-Chief. So President Obama, if you are reading

this and see me on television, I need a job in the Press Room.   On December 16, 2008, I submitted a brief application to change.org online to proceed to the next step in completing a full application. Although, I was very disappointed to find out that the

deadline was on January 16, 2009. I missed the deadline because of the excitement I was experiencing in life when I was informed I received my PIC 2009 Media Credential-National Mall.

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        I would like to thank all those who are reading my

story line for your time and consideration in advance. Please do not hesitate, by all means, to consider me for all employment opportunities. If you need an assistant in any areas, I am a fast learner, have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

    Very respectfully,    Cassandra Wood   CASSANDRA WOOD

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