Heather Wingo is a native of Chillicothe, Ohio and wanted to build a better future for her two young children. Working as a server and jack of all trades at a local restaurant wasn’t the career she wanted. A lot of her friends are in “dead end” jobs. So Heather, with financial assistance, went back to school and is preparing for a career in photography. And Heather manages to balance school and her kids with volunteer work for several progressive Ohio groups like Ohio Movement Builders of Ross County, We are Ohio and Stand Up For Ohio. Heather listened carefully to President Obama detail his jobs plan and here is what she thought of his remarks.

Q: What were your overall impressions of what President Obama said?

A: He hit on all the key points and he is clearly targeting blue collar America and that’s who I am. I am one of those people who worries every day about making ends meet. I felt like he was talking right to me. He came out as more of a fighter this time rather than just a spokesman. He needs to do something now though. We cannot wait any longer for jobs to be created.

Q: How has the bad economy affected your community?

A: Most of my friends also work in the restaurant industry, hostessing or serving food. Some have tried to go to college but sometimes, life happens, and they have to drop out. Or they can’t pay the loans so they have to drop out. I know teachers that have been laid off. My county is in rough shape.

Q: If you could address a joint session of Congress, what is the one thing you would say to them?

A: I would tell them to keep jobs in America, and make more jobs. Why are they sending good American jobs abroad when there are plenty of people here who need them? And pay Americans for what they are worth.

Q: What part of the speech struck you the most?

A: I really loved the quote President Obama said, quoting JFK: “Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.”

It gives me hope for change and I can only pray that he puts his words into action immediately today, for my children’s tomorrow.