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| What a year, 2009. From challenges to opportunities, there were things I experienced that I never have before in all my short 37 years of living. As this year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on all the firsts that have taken place in my life. If this is what 2009 was like, I can only imagine what 2010 will bring. |
Andrea and her sister, Shannon, journey to Washington D.C. for the Inauguration, showing off tickets given to them by Congressman Tom Perriello.
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| So what are the firsts I speak of? Well, for starters, on January 20th I was blessed to attend the Inauguration of our President, Barack H. Obama. (Thank you, Congressman Tom Perriello, for the tickets!) I will never forget that date and its significance as long as I live. My sister Shannon and I were there at the Capitol to witness, along with 3 million other people, the swearing in of the first African American as President of the United States. |
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Andrea at The Capital during President Obama's inauguration.
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From celebrities to politicians to just plain folk, we all braved below-freezing temperatures to be a part of history. Regardless of how one feels about President Obama, they can never take away the history that was made on November 4, 2008 and January 20, 2009. As a result, I attended my first Presidential Inauguration. |
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| If you know like I do, mountaintop experiences are quickly followed by valley experiences. While still on a high from the Inauguration, a falling out with a dear friend and coworker of mine tested my faith in a tremendous way. Sure, I’ve had disagreements before but this is the first time I’ve ever been falsely accused the way I had been by this coworker. This shook me to the core. Especially since race, racism and our new president were the main ingredients. I ran the gamut of emotions- anger, fury, disappointment, confusion, disgust, sadness during this trial. You name it, I felt it. I found myself willing to sacrifice my job and take this matter to the courts to prove that what I was being accused of was not true. I didn’t care what I had to lose; I was going to clear my name.
But spiritual conviction wouldn’t allow me. This wasn’t my battle to fight. I had to trust that I would be vindicated and until that happened I had to forgive my accuser.
Easier said than done, right? How do you forgive someone who has done and said something so terrible to you? It took some time to get through this painful ordeal but with God’s help, I was able to forgive and our friendship was reconciled, although it was never the same. |
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| Entrepreneur. Businesswoman. Yep, that’s me. Hard to believe but it was only just a few shorts months ago I started my first company, Positive Channels. I moved in faith and did it. As a result, so many doors of opportunity have been open to me. The business was featured in a local daily and weekly newspaper; I wrote my first article for the bilingual business journal, FORWARD Adelante; I moderated, emceed and presented at community events; and sponsorships for “Inside Nonprofits” increased. Yes!! And that’s just the beginning. Not bad for someone who, just a few years ago, struggled with a poor self-image and lacked a drive for anything. Now I’m running a business. Positive Channels is a small, start-up company now but I see it on the level with Harpo Productions. And with that I say “Look out, Oprah. Here comes your replacement!” |
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| There's more I could share but for the sake of time I’ll stop here. I am grateful for the blessings, and challenges, that came my way in 2009. Thank you for letting me share them with you. |
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