Born in the heart of Detroit, I am the oldest of three children and a hopeful survivor of my parent’s legacy. By no stroke of anyone’s imagination was my family wealthy.
My parents were teenagers who struggled to finish high school with two children.
After witnessing the death of my first hero, my father, I learned the true measure of a mother’s worth. As a single parent, my mother taught me that in order to overcome the adversities I experienced I would have to pave my own way.
She instilled in me that I was greater than my surroundings. Although I may live in a rough environment, preparing for my future is my top priority.
Leaving Detroit was not an option; it was a necessity.
So I ran as fast as I could. I had a thirst for success and a hunger for what the future held in Tallahassee.
I started at Tallahassee Community College then transferred to Florida A&M as a public relations student with a minor in theatre. I thought this was what I wanted.
FAMU was definitely a different world. I had to stay focused.
I did well the first semester because I was new and didn’t know many people. By spring, I had made myself at home on “The Hill.”
Once I became comfortable, my GPA dropped, and no matter how many A’s I earned, it just wouldn’t improve. I became nauseated with doubt. I wanted to give up.
Tardies, absences, sickness and life seemed to get the best of me. Since my financial aid was decreasing, I had to work two jobs.
Education became secondary.
PR terms, news stories and bad AP style bled from my nose until I was standing in a puddle of excuses that just wouldn’t fly.
Reality arrived and with it came disgust and frustration.
Should I change my major?
I was in too deep. Starting over would put me back too far.
I would never graduate.
I finally understood. Education would cost all I have. Not just money, but all of me. Yet, the only thing that could cure me was a degree.
It’s my last semester. I’m working 40 hours a week, doing my internship and I have five classes. It’s a challenge.
The rest of the semester will be filled with the ups and downs of college life: dealing with family, learning the value of the almighty dollar and somehow finding balance between these things.
The everyday problems also take a toll on my life, but by being positive, I found a way to release stress by sharing my experiences with you.
Spring break is approaching, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
I would love to tell you more, but I’m in a rush to do my taxes, and I’m still not feeling well.
Sick until graduation day, April 28, 2012.
Stay tuned.