#tgifpractice

Happy Friday! I can’t believe it is September already. This last month was nothing short of a whirlwind. Dealing with move-in, the stress of the transition and on top of all that, it’s my senior year of college! I’m just out here trying my best to handle all the facets of life, so far I'm working to keep my head above water. But my goal, however, is to thrive, not just survive. Let's get this TGIF started!

TRUST

Imposter syndrome is real. In fact, it may be real enough for me to write a full post on its impacts and my personal experiences with the pattern. It is literally insane how often these thoughts can permeate someone's mental, and it takes over… You know what, definitely writing a full post. Regardless, that’s neither here nor there. I say all that to say, I trust that I belong on this campus. Some of the classes I’ve found myself in this year are new, and also fairly challenging. It’s hard for me to find my place, but I have to continue to tell myself that I belong in those classes. I am very much as worthy as the next person to claim my spot in that space. 

GRATEFUL

As I mentioned above, I am in the beginning of my fourth and final year here at Miami University of Ohio. While these past three years have been nothing short of challenging, tough, and completely life-altering to say the least, I am so very, very grateful for these memories. I wouldn’t trade any experience (good or bad), hard conversation, change of heart….or major, for the world. It has meant so much for me over all these years. Cheers to the next two semesters of “lasts”. It’s been a wild ride, Miami. 

INSPIRATION

I am quite inspired by black people who actively pursue the media industry. That came from left field, right? I know. But, media is definitely one of my passions. And the media industry, specifically television entertainment is one that I truly enjoy being critical of. And the spirit of critique has caused me to be so inspired by black people who go out with a mission to recreate authentic black life on screen, and are successful in their endeavor. Maybe we can get into my watch list later on? 

FUN

Fun. One of the hardest things on this list to do in a guilt-free manner. Nonetheless, I do have quite an enjoyable time at the events I put on, whether it be for Miami University Fashion & Design, or as President of Miami’s NPHC. Specifically, our Welcome Weekend was one of the most delightful! We held a hip-hop roller skating event in the student center. I think it was the perfect way to welcome the first years to campus. I even got out there on the floor, knowing I can’t skate worth anything! And I’ll leave off with this; while learning a new skill, you can’t be afraid of the fall!

Nice to be back! During the month of March, I decided to take a short break from a few things and I’m glad I did. It’s majorly important to take stock every once in a while and see what needs to happen so that you can find some sort of balance. And now, as life has “balanced” out as much as possible, I am so excited to come back to the writing that replenishes me. Now, let us take a flashback to the month of March! Time for TGIF!

TRUST

March was chock full of flat out uncertainty. COVID-19 had some wild impacts on my life that will be detailed in some upcoming posts, so stay tuned! The one thing that kept me pushing through all the craziness, is trust. Trusting that some things are plainly out of my control and all I can do is roll with the punches as they come. And that is how I was able to find PEACE! 

GRATITUDE

I am completely full of gratitude to be recognized as one of 19 recipients from my graduating class to receive the President’s Distinguished Service Award. I dreamt of having this honor bestowed upon me since the spring of 2017. It was almost stunning when I read the congratulatory email. I could not be more grateful that so many people believed I deserved this award. 

INSPIRATION

During March, I was inspired by the faculty and staff at Miami University that took the time to reach out to me and see how I was handling the crisis at hand, as they dealt with the same things personally. It meant more than they will ever know to get those simple texts that just asked, “How are you doing?” Professionals like that are what inspire me to best the best I can be on my path to becoming a Student Affairs Professional. 

FUN

With the Stay-At-Home Order firmly in place. It has never been more important to find joy in the little things. My favorite way to have fun these days is by getting knee-deep into some of the amazing television that is being aired right now. From comedies to dramas to documentaries; the content is seemingly endless. And, I love it! Some of my favorite during March were, Schitt’s Creek on Netflix, Little Fires Everywhere On Hulu, and Visible: Out On Television on AppleTV+. 

Y’all know that picture of the black woman in glasses, hinged at the waist with her hands resting on her knees, accompanied by that out of breath look? Yup, that’s me right now. Three months to the finish line of graduation and I would be absolutely remiss if I wasn’t honest with myself about my current fatigue. I’m taking the chance now to tell myself it’s okay to say no, and take a breather every once in a while. With that being said, let’s get into it. 

TRUST

Trusting myself. Trusting that during this time I am secure enough in who I am to not allow riff-raff no matter the source. Like Amanda Seales says in her book, Small Doses. “Make the decision to stop allowing yourself to be mistreated/abused/manipulated. Learn to spot it quickly, identify it, address it, and if it does not change immediately, discard it.” I’m trusting my discernment today and discarding all things that are not passing “the vibe check”, as those Gen-X’ers are saying. 

GRATITUDE

This time around, I’m grateful for my ability to apply practices of self-love and acceptance to my daily practice. I’ve come to realize that sometimes people read books just to pass the time, or to escape their reality and that keeps them from actively digesting the material. But, I’m glad to say that I am able to apply the concepts that I read about. Specifically, when it comes to dealing with the ideas of shame and lack of self-esteem. There’s a lot of things happening around me that would normally keep someone from loving every piece of their true selves, but thanks to authors like Brené Brown and Amanda Seales, I’ve learned to love myself no matter what others feel or are saying.  

INSPIRATION

I’m thoroughly inspired by my LGBT+ brothers, sisters and siblings, who identify as black as well. As black queer people, on a daily basis we must deal with discrimination from racial, sexual and sometimes even gender biases. The bravery that it takes to be true to ourselves is overwhelming. And to others who are on this journey with me as well, I want you all to know that you belong here and you are loved!

FUN

Valentine’s Day is coming up! I’m super excited this year because it’ll be my first time celebrating in a relationship that has been established for quite some time. There are 2 days of fun plans coming up for next weekend! On Friday, we’re going to grab a bite at Penn Station, and then going to see “The Photograph”! I’m so excited to see two regular black people find love on screen. And then on Saturday, we’re going to dinner at Jay’s Seafood and ending the night seeing The Color Purple National Tour at their stop in Dayton! I cannot wait! 

Catch up time, no? These last two months have been an absolute whirlwind. November and December were full of fun, stress, and not too much downtime. I am glad to share that I am now halfway completed with my senior year at Miami University! This past fall semester was nothing short of a struggle, however. Definitely the opposite of what I expected from the first half of my senior year! But, everything doesn’t go as planned, right?

TRUST

Every day, I think more and more about Graduation Day. But, the daydreams aren’t all rainbows and roses. As exciting as Graduation Day is going to be, isn’t it human to think of the other side of the coin as well? The other side of the coin I’m speaking of specifically is the thought of my core friend group being strewn about across the country. All six of us have very different paths ahead, and who knows where they will lead us... Nevertheless, I’m making it a point right now to trust that no matter where we end up, our bond will remain. 

GRATITUDE

As I write this post from my Burbank apartment for the month, I can’t help but be grateful to my future alma mater, Miami University of Ohio. Miami has given me so many wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunities. Including the one that I’m currently participating in called “Inside Hollywood”. A three-week immersive experience on location in Los Angeles, California. The trip focuses on film and TV production, with two weeks of company visits with staff from shows like; Jeopardy (Yes, I met Alex Trebek and we made eye contact), Wheel of Fortune, How to Get Away with Murder and the hood classic, Flavor of Love, complete with a shadowing experience for the last week. Most people have to take their capstone in a classroom, but I’m extraordinarily grateful that mine is in sunny Los Angeles. 

INSPIRED

Having the chance to sit down and meet with all of these different people in Hollywood and throughout the Greater LA area, I am greatly inspired by their stories. A bulk of them came out to LA with limited everything. From limited friends all the way down to limited funds. But now they own successful freelance production companies, are VP’s for top creative design agencies and have won Emmy’s. There is nothing more inspiring than folks who at one time walked the same hollowed hallways at Miami University and are now living their dreams in real-time. 

FUN

Los Angeles. That’s the fun. Honestly, this city is everything I expected. But, I am still waiting on this traffic everyone seems to speak of. I haven’t come across it yet, and would like to keep it that way! Week one is down and I’m very much looking forward to the next 2! 

AKA Second Friday’s: October Edition. Last weekend, I spent at Acropolis. Acropolis is an emerging leader retreat that Miami’s Office of Fraternity/Sorority Life offers annually. This year was my third year attending and my second year as a peer mentor! This trip is always a highlight of my academic year. It’s such a joy being able to lead conversations about making changes to better Miami’s Greek Community with the future leaders of Greek Life. 

This year, I was more than proud of NPHC for almost quadrupling the number of attendees for this year than my first year attending. In 2017, there were 4 NPHC representatives, in 2018, there were 8 NPHC representatives and this year we had a whopping 15 NPHC representatives! The power of representation was truly felt this weekend. Now on to the good stuff!

TRUST

Application season is quickly approaching, and while I’ve done extensive research on many graduate programs across the country. For some reason, I feel like there are rocks that have been unturned. It’s an odd feeling of FOMO...but for graduate schools. Whenever I slip into this anxious place, I have to remind myself of a few things. 1. I’ve already found 2 wonderful schools that I’m going to apply to. 2. I still have a little bit of time to continue to research universities and programs. So basically, I must remind myself to trust my intuition and trust that God is leading me in the right direction. 

GRATITUDE

Man, oh man. Words cannot express how grateful I am for this past weekend at Acropolis. Every year that retreat reminds me of why I went Greek but also reminds me how many great leaders Miami has and what they’re capable of. The connections that were built during the weekend were so genuine. I am so excited to see how collaboration and community skyrocket in the coming weeks. So much of the weekend was centered around inclusivity among all three councils (NPHC, IFC, and Panhellenic) and being on campus this week, I can see that those conversations were not left on the campsite! Interacting and mentoring is so close to my heart. I’m so grateful that so many young leaders reached out during and after the retreat to remind their mentors how much the weekend had impacted them in a positive way. It means more to us than they will ever know! 

INSPIRED

Last week, Miami’s NPHC held our week of events for NPHC Week. As President, I placed the week completely in the hands of the council’s Vice President, my dear friend, Gabby. She honestly went above and beyond to create on the best NPHC Week’s this campus has ever seen. Watching Gabby work so hard to put out such an amazing product was beyond inspiring. Thank you, Gabby for all your hard work. You’re doing great, sweetie!

FUN

This one will be a little divergent from my regular fun, but I am quite enjoying my current group project. The course is entitled, Entrepreneurship (ESP) 321 - Startup Entrepreneurship. Anyone who knows me knows that the ESP department has been the bane of my Miami existence since the Spring 2019 semester, but my group for this course based on Scrum/Agile tactics has changed all of that. We scheduled a meeting from 8:15-10 pm and in this meeting, I laughed the hardest I ever have. This group of people is so much fun, and realize that fun and hard work can run in the same group! I’m in for a great semester with these folks!