Well, it seems like everyone already knows about my dinner with Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama.

I must say that I was very surprised to have been selected. I must say that I donated to Obama's campaign because I believe that he would make for a great President and unlike others, I expressed this same sentiment back in October 2006 post right here in Room 8.

The dinner will take place in Washington, DC on July 10th. The restaurant is TBD.

As you can imagine, this is a very important accomplishment for me because I would have never thought or dreamed of meeting much less sitting down to have dinner with a Presidential Candidate. My family (in the US and back in the Dominican Republic) are very excited and proud of me as well.

So, what issues will I be discussing with Senator Obama?

#1 #2: Education & Employment opportunities, particularly for African-Americans and Latinos. I will also mention the fact that the federal government has decrease its support of the City's Summer Youth Employment Program. In 1999, the federal government provided $43 Million versus only $5 Million in 2006.

#3: Financial Assistance for College Students, with emphasis on increasing PELL awards for all college students. I am one of the many that has been unable to obtain my Bachelor due to the fact that I can not afford to take more then two (maybe 3) courses per semester. I think that PELL award should increase as tuition increases as well.

#4: Hunger in America (a real problem that most Americans and elected officials do not believe exist in the richest country).

And yes, I will also be extending him an invitation to come to the Bronx and speak to our residents regarding his priorities and agenda.

I have nothing against Senator Clinton and I will not do what many others will do or have done: support her because she's the Senator from New York. The Bronx Democratic Party has questioned Clinton for her lack of support for the Bronx-- and they're right. Clinton only visits the Bronx for the Puerto Rican and/or Dominican parade (maybe). Other then that, she's M.I.A.

My mother did a great job instilling values and principles that I will never leave behind.

I will provide a complete report of the dinner upon my return.

Best,

Haile Rivera
Note: I know have my own site: www.hailerivera.com