Greetings! My name is Erinn McCullough, and I am a 24
year-old African America female from Rock Hill, SC currently residing
in Charlotte, NC. Like many others, I watched the elections very
attentively, as I saw America change its%u2019 history. While at South Carolina State University, I had the opportunity to volunteer during the first Democratic Debate held on my Alma Mater%u2019s campus by aiding the Hillary Clinton campaign team.
While there, I was able to also assist my local community by giving a report/assessment of the events transpiring by engaging in an interview with Andrew Dys of The Herald (Rock Hill, SC). On
that day, I realized two things: 1) I will be deeply a part of an
election process which I felt now, finally, involved me by taking into consideration the common people and not only the wealthy/ powerful, and 2) I will share the information with everyone attainable by gaining more knowledge on the events,and making people aware of this monumental election.

During the election, I hosted/attended voting and debate
parties where we discussed issues important to us. I also read/ watched
updates on the election, and I supplied transportation for people who were unable to go to different sites where the candidates were present. And now I am going to the Inauguration in
Washington, DC! Like many others, I will not be able to afford most of
the events, but I think it is important for me to go to feel the
representation of hope even if I cannot see President-elect Barack Obama physically. I will take the most economical approach by carpooling ($50-includes the car rental price and gas) with a group of friends on Saturday night only to sleep on the floor of a sorority sister%u2019s house until Wednesday morning ($0-thanks to be a member
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority), but the experience is worth more than
any monetary amount. Many will not even have this opportunity because
they are holding onto a barely existent job when unemployment is at a
high or their financial status will not allow a trip which due to the economic turmoil we are encountering during this recession; but just as I have done in the past, I plan on once again being that vessel of information for people by being the eyes and ears amongst those who know "we can make a difference."

On January 17-21, I would like to assist the local media to
give them my hands- on experience of the Inauguration. Please assist me
by signing and sending this appeal stating you will patronize the medium to watch or hear the Inauguration from a different and more personal perspective. People will be there to give their spin on facts/ statistics, but allow yourself to see the journey of an individual who is much like you, a person that cares,a person who represents you.Working together, we can make a CHANGE!

Continuing a walk in excellence,

Erinn McCullough