See it through
Do you know I got an F on my first business management test in college? It was the first time I had ever received an F before in my life! This was AFTER I got a D in Micro Economics the year before. It wasn’t long before I called my Dad to tell him I was dropping out. He wasn’t going for it.
I felt dumb, especially as a former Straight-A student and young Black woman at a PWI. I went home for spring break and thought, “Forget it. If I’m going to be here, I’m going to have fun.” My cousin and I had fun all week, and I didn’t think about school. Before the drive back, I remember praying for help because I felt like I was out of options.
Do you want to know what turned it around? My mindset.
I was the one who had a negative attitude toward school. School wasn’t changing, but I had to change. I ended up graduating with honors, doing an extra study abroad program, and being my class commencement speaker. I became president of the Bradley University Black Alumni Alliance, ran my own business for six years full-time, and now I’m in a Ph.D. program. NO ONE is more shocked than me!
I am often told that I am “unrealistic” or “I had it easy, so I don’t know.” Hardly so. Don’t be fooled by social media – life hits me all the time.
However, I don’t believe we were put on this earth to be basic. We all have gifts and talents, and it’s up to us to see them through. I am making an active choice every day to enjoy my life, and I hope this encourages you to do the same.