Friday, November 4, 2011

HBCU Homecomings!

It's that time of the year again! It's time for my alma mater, THE University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff''s (UAPB)  homecoming! What does this mean you ask? Well, it means turkey legs, the best half time show on earth, old friends, new faces, and lots of parties and vast alcohol consumption. lol But lets not lose focus here, with the amount of money donated to different campus activities and departments, the job opportunities that alumni bring back to the students, and the impact that we have on the community, homecoming is about so much more. Its a value adding opportunity for the alumni to help enrich the university.

Many of you may not be aware of the significance of the HBCU homecoming, but let me try to explain.

HBCUs, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities, have a rich tradition and history not only in the Black community, but in socieity and neighboring communities as well. So much pride is shown in representing your school and the rivalries amongst other HBCUs are like no other. Yet, when dealing with opposition from those "other" schools, we come together and show HBCU love.

I feel as if my HBCU experience better prepared me for the real world. I learned to stay on top of my business, especially dealing with financial aid and record keeping, I learned how to deal with diversity on my team (not all HBCU students are black ya know), and I learned how to network! I had so many opportunities presented to me due to the fact that a lot of companies start their recruiting at HBCUs and we have the first hand at amazing opportunities. I gained valuable friendships that will last a lifetime. I met people that I never really got to know, and when I moved away we ended up in the same city and became good friends. I met people that no matter where I travel, I always have friends there from school. Because we are EVERYWHERE! And I met amazing professors and instructors that I still call and update about my professional progress, or I can call when I need anything.

So when October or November rolls around every year, and I log on to Favebook and Twitter, I am reminded that the Holiday of homecoming is quickly approaching and I better dot my i's and cross my t's and get ready! There is nothing like it. HAPPY HOMECOMING!!!!!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Don't Buy The Cow When the WHAT???

We've all heard the expression "Why buy the cow when the milk is free?" but what does this really mean? What is too much? When is enough, enough?

We all know that there are some things that a man or woman must do to attract and keep their mate, but what is the cut off? Do you just give them "taste" of all the things that you can do and make a promise to continue those things in full force after marriage? Since we all (should) know that simply verbalizing your greatness is never sufficient... I get so confused by all of this!

I think that it's best to have an understanding of who the person is, what they have to offer, and how much of that they are willing to give to you. I can be the best darn cook in the state, but if I'm unwilling to cook for you, it wont benefit you much to be with me if you're looking for someone to cook your meals. She can have the best paying job of all time, but if she's not willing to share her money with you, it would be pretty useless to date her for it. Having an understanding of one another alleviates the need to play games or always having to guess or assume your relationship status.

Having open and honest discussions about you and your mate's expectations, is a good way to prevent confusion and frustration down the road. It may be hard to tell someone exactly what you really want, due to the fact that you don't want to run them away, but once that fear is eliminated, you'd be suprised about the other person's response. It may turn out better than you think. Ladies, how often have you heard or experienced meeting a guy and asking him "What are you looking for?" and he says "I'm not looking for anything" and you say "Oh ok, neither am I. I'm just going with the flow". Knowing good and well that you've planned every detail of you wedding already and you're just waiting to find someone to fulfil it with. lol Next time try being honest, it may run a few guys away, but isn't that a good thing if he isnt trying to give you what you want? But then again, it just may actually get you what you want! Stop giving away all your milk! It's way too valuable for charity!

What are your thoughts on this?

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Moment

Sooo, I'm like super emotional right now and I thought I would share my testimony with you all. SOME of you may know that I believe that in every lesson learned, we must share our knowledge and experience with others to help them grow and learn with us. God puts us in certain situations not only for ourselves, but for the people in our lives. I play a lot, and I love to laugh, but often times, especially earlier in the year, I was laughing to keep from crying.

Throughout my life, I have experienced some pretty difficult times. From my mom being sick when I was in high school, and me having to take care of her and the house, to a difficult situation I had while in college, and recently being without a job and not knowing how my bills would get paid. But through each situation, I learned to have unyielding faith and believe in His promise to never leave or forsake me. Sure, I've worried, stressed, and cried myself to sleep on many nights, but I had to remember how he brought me out of my previous situations and how BIG my blessings were in the end. BIG blessings! BIG blessings! BIG blessings! Do you hear me?!

During the situation with my mom, it was hard for me to put my money into paying house bills while all my friends who had jobs were able to do what they wanted with theirs. In college, it was hard to watch someone I loved, love someone else, and of course it was hard having to ask people for help when I'm so used to being independent and self sufficient. On top of that, no one believed that I really needed help! lol But in each of those, what I gained, was much more than I would've imagined. I learned how to be woman and take care of a house and my business, I learned the power of forgiveness, and I learned humility. Never doubt God or his works. What He is doing is more than our simple minds can decipher.

I use my commute to work as my "perspective" time. I think about whatever is going on with me and try to put a plan together (I guess that's why I love road trips? lol) So this morning I was just thinking about how far I've come, the things I've learned, and the people that have come into my life, and I am just so grateful.I never would've thought that the way things were going for me 6 months ago, that I would be as happy as I am right now. But I guess it wasn't for me to know. God just wants us to trust him, and when you do He will do incredible things in your life.

I guess the moral of the story is, whatever your situation, no matter how hard or difficult, think about the last time you felt this way. Didn't he bring you through? It is human nature to worry and stress, but you have to be able to keep your faith and open yourself to learn the lesson he is trying to teach you and prepare for that BIG blessing waiting for you in the end. Find someone who you can trust and share your feelings, write them out, you can call me if you want. lol Just have a release of some sort and hold on. I hope this helps someone who may need this.

OK, I'm done *drops mic*