BOSS Magazine Issue 26

The #1 Educational & Entrepreneurial Resource Magazine for Minority Young Adults Special Edition

Be your Own Success Story Magazine of Today’s Young Minority Leaders

#RecommitToEducation

B.O.S.S. ASKS:

Is it Time for Elisa Thomas Our From Community Shy and Timid toto Recommit to of the Miss University Education?

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Meet Top HBCU Students D REW SIDORA Representing Clark speaks about her Atlanta, Morehouse, & Dream Makers Spelman!

Foundation BOSS 2 School with tips onLISA making year a E Tthis HOMAS success From Shy & Timid to

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Green Magazine

Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

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Fresh Start

Sister Cadet

Pg. 17

Over the years, women have, and still are, breaking gender stereotypes by joining the military.

28 Feature interview Drew Sidora Drew speaks about the components of a recent Dream Makers Foundation event in Chicago.

48 Change the world

“A choice to change the world” has been exemplified through LaDarrien’s global and local determinations to transform the global legal system.

Pg. 14

“I’m a Muslim at a Christian College” Back 2 School

Pg. 19

Feature Interview

Drew Sidora Pg. 28

Steering Without a Navigation System Pg. 30

On the Yard: Zeta Phi Beta Pg. 32

Student Highlight: Darone Okolie Pg. 34

Questions to a Journalist Pg. 44

Pretty Brown Girls Cultivating the Workplace Pg. 45

LaDarrien Gillette’s Choice to Change the World Pg. 47

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Experience in the Chocolate Bubble Pg. 20

Sister Cadet Keonte’ Ariel Lee

Pg. 21

Student Highlight: Jalen Seward

Student Highlight

Pg. 23

An illustrative genius, Seward channels creative thought and depicts the images on a canvas. From as early as he can remember, Seward has held a passion for art.

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A PR Dream Come True Pg. 24

Tea with the Queen Pg. 35

Elisa Thomas Pg. 37

Couch Potatoes United

Tea with the Queen

Pg. 39

She shares her bizarre adventures as well as gives advice about how students can take the necessary steps to travel abroad as well.

Tree’s Motivational Corner Pg. 40

Magazine Substance In Every Issue Green Magazine

Martin T. Shepherd Esq. EQT Corporation Dr. Adrienne Booth Johnson CEO - Infinity Global Connections Aisha Felder Principal Marketer of Red Shoe Marketing Group Tiffany Harden-Evens Esq. Linda Clay Chaplain

Founder/Publisher Howard Clay Jr.

Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief Andrea Paul

Art Director

Emmanuel Johnson

Editorial/Digital Content Manager Cierra McClurkin

Marketing and Advertising Manager Desha Elliott

Media Relations Manager LaTresa “Tree” Cunningham

Promotions Director Jeffrey “Royce” Clay

Contributing Writers Jaynay Johnson Alexandria Fuller Angel Amos Ashia Sims Trevon Malcom Jordan Watters Vincent Cunningham Felicia Meadows Christina Junior Trevon Hughes Shalonda Wallace Desha “DrDesha” Elliott Wymanette Castaneda LaTresa “Tree” Cunningham Marcia Robinson Natyana Robertson

Contributing Editors An Howard Wymanette Castaneda

Photography

Anthony Tyus Ben Kornegay, Progressive Images Photography Cameron Wilson and Anthony Jr., of “Laidback Allure” Michael White of DreamBigINC Howard Clay, Sr.

Interns

Ciara Green Lizandro Falu

STAFF

Board of Directors

Regional Ambassador- Jackson, MS

Gloria Ishman

Regional Ambassador- Cincinnati, OH

Myeeah Scott

Spelman College Reps

Danyelle Carter Natyana Robinson

Clark Atlanta University Reps

Shalonda Wallace

Fort Valley State University Rep

Natyana Robertson

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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Mailing: B.O.S.S. Magazine Letter to the Editor P.O. Box 371612 Decatur, GA 30037 Subcriptions: www.boss-emag.com Email: editor@boss-emag.com Phone: (678) 719-9779 National Distributor: Ingram Content/Ingram Periodicals 18 Ingram Blvd, La Vergne, TN 37086 (615) 793-5522 B.O.S.S. Magazine (Library Title # 132-132-300) (UPC #7447029162) is published monthly by B.O.S.S. eMagazine LLC, P.O. Box 371612, Decatur GA, 30037, or the Basic Price of $24.99 per year.

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Publisher’s Desk

Howard J.Clay Publisher @MR_HowardClay

Howard J. Clay is available for speaking engagements, clinics/ seminars, as well as appearances for organizations, corporate and school events.

For Booking howard@boss-emag.com

With all the different things going on in the world, it’s hard to lose focus. As an adult, it’s hard to stay focus on the things that are important so I can’t imagine to be 21 or 22 again and have to REALLY focus. So I believe that it is important for the leaders to refocus on the things that are important and one of the main things is EDUCATION. That is why I’ve dedicated this issue to returning our focus back to Education by rerunning many of our HBCU articles that came from students, yes students, talking about education.

As a publisher, it is extremely hard to stay on task. There are a lot of “popular, interesting, important, and tantalizing” topics that I’m sure they would snatch off the shelves, but how will that benefit our community?

Why have another magazine about an actor or athlete that are excelling in their field? Sounds good, but how will that effect/ affect the people who really need it? What we as leaders have to understand is that there is a serious lack of positive media for our community. Even if it is not popular we must address the things that matter in our community like education, #blacklivesmatter, and jobs, just to name a few.

We can’t continue to sweep education under the rug and think it will just work itself out. Whatever we bring attention to is what will be successful. You’ve heard that statement that the “grass is greener where you water it...” that is exactly correct.

We have to understand that many of the issues Minorities deal with can be fixed if we can get more minorities in the position to make change. More lawyers, politicians, sheriffs, and corporate executives in these fortune 500 companies and it all begins with the proper education.

So I will start the push to recommit back to education as a leader of change. I could have put out any issue I wanted to but I know how important it is for minority students to be encouraged, guided, and uplifted while they navigate the challenges of higher education in America. The minority students have enough to take their attention, we have to give them what they SHOULD be focusing on and how that will change the world in the future.

So I’m asking you to recommit with me. Make it a point to celebrate education and help me push these students to their academic limit and create new leaders and people that our country desperately needs.

Editor’s Note

Andrea E. Paul Editor-In-Chief @Drea_Elizabeth

Andrea Paul is available for speaking engagements, clinics/ seminars, as well as appearances for organizations, corporate and school events.

For Booking drea@boss-emag.com

Twitter @boss_emag

The fall is upon us… Even in the middle of a scorching Atlanta summer! Despite the temperatures in the high 90s, it is officially back to school time. For anyone who knows me, I love this part of the year because I am a school supply junkie!

It’s okay; you can laugh. What can I say? I just love buying new notebooks and planners… oh, and the PENS!!! I cannot go without buying a brand new 12-pack of G2 Pilot fine point gel pens. Those are my guilty pleasure. Outside of hoarding shiny, new, colorful pens, I must have a new yearly planner.

This is a back to school must have for any student—and non-student alike-- looking to succeed. The planner allows you to fill in the blanks of upcoming days/ weeks/ months and plan ahead. I encourage everyone anticipating an eventful school year to invest in a good day planner. It will help you tremendously when you begin to feel overwhelmed when midterms, finals, and projects roll around. There are many techniques available online that can help you organize your planner… you just have to find a style that fits you. For me, I need to have my days mapped out by the hour, have a to-do list with a top 3 “must do” section, a place for an encouraging quote or affirmation for the day, a mention of things that are due, and a study plan. Without these elements, I feel as though I will never get anything accomplished and anxiety sets in. As a student, once you receive your class syllabus, it is imperative that you transpose all important due dates into your planner, along with some sort of study/ homework schedule.

Outside of the daily “to-do’s”, your planner can help set up your goals for the year. Want to get an A in physics? Map out a study schedule that includes topics/ chapters/ problems to cover during each study session to prepare you for the exam? Want to lose the Freshman 15 you gained last year by midterms? Write down a weekly workout routine and meal plan. Want to save $1500 by the end of the semester? Create a weekly savings plan and budget. No matter what your goals are, if you set them up properly in your planner, you will always have all the information you need at your fingertips/ at a glance. There is no reason you shouldn’t succeed this year!

Welcome fall with open arms, stay on track, and attack your goals like only you can! You can do it!

Now, please excuse me while I head out to buy more pens!

-Drea

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FAFSA Guide It’s always that time of year ...when high school seniors and college students begin the FAFSA process.

FAFSA? What do these abstract letters mean? Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application is oh-so-important if you want/need to be considered for financial aid.

As a high school senior or college student you will need the following information to complete your FAFSA.

1) YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION.

Make sure you have your social security or tax ID number available. Also, you will need your ID/driver's licence number as well.

2) FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR YOURSELF.

Did you work in 2014? If so, you will soon receive a W-2 form from your job and if you filed an income tax return you will need those documents as well. Lastly, if you have any bank accounts in your name, you will need your current bank statements. Use this income info as needed.

3) YOUR PARENTS’ PERSONAL, EDUCATIONAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

Have your parent(s) or their info available while completing the application. You’ll need their ID numbers, income information for 2014, and their education level. Did they complete high school, college, have a vocational certification? All that goes on your application.

4) YOUR (PROSPECTIVE) COLLEGE INFORMATION.

For seniors, you most likely have a list of colleges you have already applied to and those you are planning to complete admissions applications for.

To file a FAFSA you will need all the school codes for all of the schools you have and will apply to.

In this section, you will need to state whether you will be living on or off campus.

www.fvmly.com

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Grants Free money you do not have to repay; comes with stipulationsa certain amount of credit hours per semester, certain GPA, or Financial need. The money is paid directly to your college.

Subsidized Loans Money you borrow that must be repaid after graduation or if you drop below halftime student status (usually less than 6 credit hours a term). With this type of loan, the gvovernment pays interest while you are in school.

Consolidation A loan program that allows a borrower to combine various educational loans into one new loan. By extending the repayment period (up to 30 years depending on the loan amount) and allowing a single monthly payment, consolidation can make loan repayment easier for some borrowers.

Deferment An authorized period of time during which a borrower may postpone principal and interest payments. Deferments are available while borrowers are in school at least half time, enrolled in a graduate fellowship program or rehabilitation training program, and during periods of unemployment or economic hardship.

Work-Study Federal program where you apply/attain a job on-campus and use your pay to cover any needs you may have. The money is paid directly to you.

Principal The amount borrowed. Interest is charged on this amount, and guaranty and origination fees will be deducted prior to disbursement.

Unsubsidized Loans Money you borrow that must be repaid after you leave school.

With this type of loan, interest accumulates while you are in school.

You do not NEED information for both parents if one parent's income will not be considered as a way to pay for your education. In simple terms, if you have lived in a single parent household all of your life, you will only need the information from the parent you have lived with. Only stipulation: You must NOT be able to get parental info in order to not use it. A deceased parent, a parent whom you have no contact info for apply here. For those students who have lived in foster care, or otherwise a "ward of the court" you will not need to provide any parental information.

Lastly, if your grandparents or any other family outside of your biological or adoptive parents are your legal guardians, you can NOT use their information to file your FAFSA.

Next page

How to prepare a FASFA application

Award Letter The official document, issued by the financial aid office, which lists all the financial aid awarded to the student. While award letters vary among institutions, letter generally listsand theconfidence in self while also striving to develop unity between The FVMLY movement is based the on building individuality expected family contribution, people from different cultures. There’s more to a name than just a name. A name can embody a memory, a person, a love, cost of attendance and all the hatred, a movement, etc. It canterms speakofpower into a person strip strength from them. Family? To many, it’s a unity force. the aid awarded.

Family will ride for you. Cry for you. Even give up their life for you. FVMLY seeks to do that on a larger scale. By showcasing an individual’s special talents, we hope to promote self-confidence & self-worth. Further we seek to break down the barriers that are self-created. Barriers that make us believe that we are TOO different. The “family” we are trying to create is unconventional, thus the alternative in spelling. Instead of uniting those kin by blood, we seek to do so for everyone. So like previously stated: there’s meaning in a name. How you doin’, FVMLY?

FAFSA Guide Let’s Get Started 1

2 3

Head over to the official FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov This is the official site of the FAFSA application. Any other website you come across claiming to be a FAFSA site but does not include .ed or .gov in the URL, please be cautious about entering any personal information.

Click the “Start Here” button. You will be directed to the first “Student Information” page. Enter your name, social security number, and birthday when prompted.

You will be prompted for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for either the student or a parent. If this is your first FAFSA application, you will need to apply for a PIN. Follow the prompts and enter the necessary information. You will be sent a PIN via email. Both you and your parent(s) need to apply for a PIN. Your PIN is considered your official signature for the FAFSA. This is how you will sign your application at the end of the process and how you will log in the the website when you need to make changes and renew your FAFSA for the next year.

4

5

Enter in the necessary information.

Once you officially log on to the FAFSA application, the website will take you step by step through each section.

Before any financial sections, you will be prompted to complete a “worksheet”.

These worksheets help you visualize the information and then transfers the appropriate numbers to the actual application. All in all, it is a calculator used to help you simplify the process.

Pay attention to your SAR , EFC, and DRN. You will get this information once you submit the application.The SAR is the Student Aid Report. This is what gets sent to the list of universities you claimed you wanted to be considered for financial aid. It summarizes all of your information, so look it over and make sure everything is correct. If you find anything wrong with it, you can make corrections right away. Your EFC is your Expected Family Contribution. Based on the correct info you provided on your FAFSA, the EFC is the amount the system assumes your family will be able to pay out of pocket. This is in no way a number you and your family should use to determine whether or not you will be able to pay for college. The computer/ FAFSA system generates it, based on this application. If you think your EFC is incorrect, re-check your SAR and make the appropiate corrections. Lastly, you will see a DNR. Along with your PIN, you will need this number to make corrections after a FAFSA is filed.

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First

If you think college is a scary thought for some high school students, imagine being the “1st First”! What is the “1st First”?

It’s the first child from a family who is the first to go to college.

Schools and scholarship committees call these youth, “first generation college students.” For a lot of minority high school students this is an unfamilar reality. In this section, you will always find advice and articles to help make the transition to college a little easier for our 1st Firsts.

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Author: Jaynay Chanel Johnson, MAMFT

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Fresh Start Hip, Hip hooray, school is starting soon! Some of you may feel excitement, while others may be utterly unamused by my banter. Either way school is here.

You need to remember something as you start this school year; you need your teachers for professional and personal development. Yes, you read that correctly. It is quite difficult to become successful when your teachers cannot say positive things about you. Many of you may struggle with the idea of attending college and that is sarcasm because our world is set up for you to attend college. Once you accept that reality, the next chunk you need to chew on is that all students want input from teachers.

Jaynay C. Johnson is a trained marriage and family therapist in the Philadelphia area. She has been practicing in the field specializing in teen and family dynamics.

Jaynay believes that family is the foundation in life. She strives to balance families, dismantle trans-generational patterns, and help families reinforce love. She is in the process of writing her first book formatted to help teenagers through their developmental adolescence stage. She travels talking to various teen groups and parents about the many ways to strengthen their relationships.

Are you that Sassy Sally in class? Hey Sassy Sally, you will need that teacher as you begin college applications, so maybe you can try being Kind Kim for a while.

The importance of adult relationships while you are in high school is significant. At this point in your life, everything you do is a building block to ensure a strong foundation to build your empire on. You will have a shaky foundation if no one likes you. Let us be real, hard work is a requisite and positive attitude is vital.

Maya Angelou said it best, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Take the time to show your appreciation for the people that are educating you.

Use this school year as fresh start and begin to build or strengthen those relationships. It is time to start anew.

Do not hold onto last “school year’s drama” with your

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friends or school administration. The best thing you can do is show faculty that you matured over the summer.

Unbeknownst to you, most adults love seeing younger adults mature before they make a series of asinine mistakes. Below I am going to point out 5 tips to help you start fresh. These tips are valid and reliable and I have used them.

“Hard work is a requisite and a positive attitude is vital.”

1. Start off fresh.

Do not bring the drama from last school year with you.

Identify what was bothering you and address it before school begins. Nothing is worse than someone bringing up old matters. There is no logical reason to hold a grudge even if they hurt your feelings.

2. Look forward to new experiences This year will bring new experiences if you allow it.

Manifest the new experiences you want to have and they will occur. Try a new extra-curricular activity to learn a new skill and meet new people. This will also help if you have burned every other relationship with a faculty member.

3. People change and you should too.

Identify an area where you can grow and do just that,

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grow. Life is about growth and since time does not stop, you shouldn’t either.

4. Understand your future depends on healthy relationships We cannot make it alone no matter what all the memes say on social media. It is actually the complete opposite in knowing that the right people can catapult your career, educational journey, or business endeavor.

5. Realize you do not know everything I know we sometimes have the know it all book embedded in our brains, however, we really do not. The teachers in your school may be able to provide new information. Take advantage of that and schedule time after or before school with your educator to learn from them.

These tips will easily help you manage your school year as you begin to think about your future. The earlier you learn the tricks, the easier the transitions through life will be.

Jaynay Chanel Johnson, MAMFT Marriage and family therapist, teen advocate, Founder of DearTeenSelf

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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“I’m a Muslim at a Christian College.”

Full Name: Amirah Mitchell Classification: Senior Major: Environmental Science Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts

If you were Muslim would you choose to attend a college founded on Christian values? Today, Spelman is more religiously diverse than ever despite its Christian foundation. Although Spelman was founded on Christian values there are no discriminations against any women. When you enter the classrooms on Spelman’s campus you may encounter Atheist, Catholics, Deists, and even Muslims. So what is it about Spelman that has attracted such diversity in women? What has influenced their decision to attend a Christian college despite their own beliefs? In order to grasp a better understanding I had a conversation with Spelman student Amirah Mitchell, who is a devout Muslim.

If you were Muslim would you choose to attend a college founded on Christian values?

Today, Spelman is more religiously diverse than ever despite its Christian foundation. Although Spelman was founded on Christian values, there are no discriminations against any women. When you enter the classrooms on Spelman’s campus you may encounter Atheists, Catholics, Deists, and even Muslims.

So, what is it about Spelman that has attracted such diversity in women?

What has influenced their decision to attend a Christian college despite their own beliefs? In order to grasp a better understanding, I had a conversation with Spelman student and devout Muslim, Amirah Mitchell.

When did you decide to become a Muslim?

I officially became Muslim my freshman year. Before attending Spelman, I made the decision to convert to Islam. In high school, I studied and researched many different religions, one being Christianity. I wasn’t very particular about one religion; instead, I was

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searching for something that fit right with me.

What influenced your decision to attend Spelman College in light of its Christian foundation and your beliefs?

I really love and value the sisterhood at Spelman. Spelman is, first and foremost, a historically black college. I do not feel that Spelman is solely for Christians; it would be unproductive as a Christian school to ostracize other religions. Honestly, it really didn’t seem out of sync of who I am at all.

Most of my family members are Christian and in many cases, we share the same values.

What aspects of being a Spelmanite do you value being female, AfricanAmerican, and Muslim?

I value the aspect of heritage and knowing yourself as an AfricanAmerican woman. For example, during freshman year it was required that we take the class African Diaspora World, which taught us about our African roots.

Although Spelman focuses a lot on the aspects of Christianity, the Christian legacy is a part of African-American history, as well as the Muslim legacy, so it does not offend me. I really enjoy speaking and learning about different religions. Back in high school I studied a lot of religions such as Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism.

What struggles have you faced while attending Spelman?

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One of the biggest struggles I have dealt with was eating in the café!

As a Muslim, I am required to keep up with the dietary restrictions of halal, which is similar to kosher, but not as rigid. The biggest problem is pork. For example, I can’t eat the pizza because they cut the cheese pizza with the same utensils as the pepperoni. If they had separate cooking vessels it would be easier to eat. Also, when I fast I have to eat before the sunrises and after the sunsets, but the cafe isn’t open during those times.

As a Muslim, do you feel welcomed and respected in the Spelman community?

Sometimes, I think it depends.

There were times where I didn’t feel respected. There are other times where I have felt tokenized. For example, because I am Muslim, I am sometimes asked to speak on things that I don’t necessarily feel comfortable speaking about. It’s

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almost similar to being the only black student at a predominantly white school. But being tokenized is easy to get over because it provides leeway for me to help people better understand Islam. I enjoy talking to people about my belief and bridging the gap between Christianity and Muslim beliefs.

Are there organizations on campus that cater to your beliefs?

I am involved in the Muslim Student Association, an organization that supports the Muslim student body with religious services and things that support the education of Islam.

What changes do you think should be made in order to unify Muslim and Christian students on campus?

I feel that there needs to be better resources about Islam, as well as other religions. We are so bombarded with negative energy about Islam in the media that it

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leads to less of an understanding and respect for our religion. There are very strong resources for Christians, but I think it would help to have a better focal point on Muslims as well, because of the large population of Muslims on Spelman’s campus. We can be greater resources to each other than we are currently being. I remember I had a friend freshman year who I am not close with anymore because there wasn’t an understanding in our core values and beliefs. This individual felt very strongly that my beliefs weren’t valid because they believed that there was a great distance between Muslim and Christian beliefs. Despite their beliefs, I saw their religions as valuable—it’s just about respecting that someone’s beliefs are their own.

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BACK ‘2’ School Wow, that was quick!

For most students, summer break is just about over and that means… BACK ‘2’ SCHOOL! Yes, I know… You’d probably rather sleep in and soak up the summer sun for just a little while longer, but unfortunately, we are turning our calendars to September soon enough, buying school supplies, and sending students back to school!

With all of this, it’s time to buckle down again! Don’t be that kid who says, “this year, I’m going to get all A’s,” but ends up making B’s and C’s instead. You should actually do exactly what you said you would do—pass with flying colors!

Set goals for the school year.

Whether you are or are not where you want to be at this point in your life, it is extremely imperative that you set goals for this year even if they aren’t academic goals. For example, if you play a sport, set a goal to help your team win more games than last year. Or, if you’re more of a club type of person, set some volunteer or fundraising goals you want to see your club reach.

Volunteering is always a good thing and easier when you are surrounded

by like-minded people. Maybe if you’re not much of a social person, set a goal to go out and meet new people or to attend interesting events. Run for class president or a part of homecoming court.

Whatever it may be, set at least one goal for this year. Goals help you work towards something you want to accomplish. By setting a goal, you aren’t being complacent and you won’t be the same person you were this time next year. So set goals!

Follow through with the goals you set.

Again, don’t just casually say, “I’m going to make a 4.0 this year,” and not come close to that 4.0. If that is the goal you set for yourself, work towards it! As hard as it may be to follow through with your goals, I guarantee that it is possible. That is why you should find someone to help you reach your goals and remain accountable. I recommend doing this by finding someone who has already achieved the goal you are striving for. If you really want to make a 4.0 this school year, make friends with the top students in your class, get a tutor, and simply put your schoolwork before

anything else. In order for you to reach this goal, you have to be especially mindful of all the things that may keep you from reaching the goal. If your goal is to be more social this year, you have put your shyness aside and eat lunch with the social kids. Whatever it takes for you to do exactly what you said you would do, you have to do it in order to follow through with your dreams.

With that being said, while you are out shopping for school shoes, picking out the first day of school hairdo, or simply still sleeping in while you can before school starts, begin thinking about some of the things you want to achieve this upcoming school. Set a goal and follow through!

Author: Ashia Sims

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Why I Appreciate My Experience in the Chocolate Bubble My parents didn’t attend an HBCU. I didn’t grow up in a household where going to a black college was discussed. It was mostly important that I attend a college and get a degree that would help me find a good job when I graduated.

Plus, I was a type A high school student. I got good grades and was very academically focused, so my sights were definitely set on college once I graduated from high school.

But, I knew that I’d have to get a scholarship for college. I also knew that, as a black girl, I would get more scholarship money at a PWI (predominantly white institution) than at an HBCU, so I never considered attending one. I sat down and made a list of PWIs that I wanted to attend and went on an informal college tour at the beginning of my senior year in high school. After visiting about five schools, I realized that I didn’t have an urge to attend any of them.

Many of them were too large or too much like the brochure.

For example, I visited one school during a visitation weekend. When we arrived to campus, we drove past a group of students playing volleyball on one of the fields.

Another group of students were

Photo: FAMU Alma Mater

lounging on a beautiful white gazebo reading and talking. We went to a football game and the stadium was filled with students wearing the school colors, cheering on the team.

It was too much for me.

Don’t get me wrong. That’s a beautiful picture, but something about it didn’t feel like a good fit for me. I was still undecided about where I would be going after graduation, so my parents and I decided to drive the four hours to visit Florida State University (FSU). There was an advertising program there and I wanted to check out the campus. While the campus was nice, it was too big for my taste. I knew that Florida A&M University (FAMU) was just around the corner, so I asked my parents to delay us leaving to visit the campus. I hadn’t applied, but I wanted to see it.

Whenever I visited a campus, I would step out of the car and ask myself, “Can I see myself here for the next four years?” Every school that I had toured up until that point garnered a resounding “no” to that question until I stepped onto the campus of FAMU. I immediately felt like I was at home. We walked

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to the administration building and I picked up an application.

Fast forward to the end of my senior year. I readied myself to start my next chapter in life at FAMU. In fact, I participated in the freshman orientation weekend where we were able to stay on campus and learn more about what to expect when we arrived on campus in the fall. It was an amazing weekend. I made friends and hung out on “The Set” and had a blast.

I was excited to dive in at FAMU, which I did wholeheartedly. I learned a lot of valuable lessons about myself, life, and the world.

Although FAMU is an HBCU, I learned a lot about diversity. FAMU was a “chocolate bubble” for me.

Not only was I surrounded by black people from all walks of life but the faculty, staff and administration worked to make it a safe environment for us. We were able to learn about our culture and who we were as young black adults. We had open conversations about the cultural differences that exist within the black community. We had the opportunity to experience the world in an environment that allowed us to process it through a veil coated with the black experience. It was a luxury not afforded to all black college students.

It’s a luxury I wouldn’t trade for the world.

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Sister Cadet Keonte’Ariel Lee

Today, when you think of the military does female empowerment come to mind? Over the years, women have, and still are, breaking gender stereotypes by joining the military. Unfortunately, women continue to be the minority in the military. Despite the odds, Spelman student, Keonte’ Ariel Lee, has chosen to accept the challenge by being a part of the ROTC program, The National Guard, and a full-time college student. Her ambition to serve her country is not only admirable, but it is inspirational. Keonte’s participation in ROTC exemplifies how she exemplefies excellence, strength, and skills that make her more than an outstanding individual, but an outstanding Black woman. As Keonte’ walks Spelman’s campus wearing her military uniform, she serves as a role model and a hero for all future female Army Cadets.

Full Name: Keonte’Ariel Lee Hometown: South Carolina Classification: Third Year Major: Political Science/ Pre-law ROTC Program: Morehouse College, branch of the Georgia State ROTC program Length of Participation: Started Spring Semester of 2014 Significant Fact: “I signed my contract to enlist in the Georgia Army National Guard at the end of fall semester in 2013.”

What influenced your decision to join the Reserves Officers Training Corps program?

I decided to join the Army ROTC Program because I knew that I wanted to serve my country as an Officer in the U.S. Army. I also knew that I did not want to have a traditional job after college. The ROTC program instills confidence, discipline, and time management, all of which I need to continue to stay successful.

Do you have family members that are in the military?

Yes, my dad was in the South

Carolina Army National Guard until 2007. My grandfather was in the Navy during Vietnam. His sister, my great-aunt, retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. My great-aunt also serves as my inspiration. Over the years, I have witnessed how the military has enhanced her life by giving her better opportunities to become successful.

How is your ROTC student life different from other students at Spelman College?

My life as an ROTC student is different primarily because the ROTC program includes rigorous training courses that require a lot of time. I have done more in the day by 7:00 am than any average Spelman student will do during her entire day. For example, I have physical training (PT) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:00 am.

On Tuesday and Thursday I have class and labs at Georgia State.

Once I finish my ROTC schedule, I still have to attend my normal class schedule, so having a social life and time management can really be a struggle.

Photo Credit: Army ROTC

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benefit the military?

ROTC has taught me to not shrink when I am in a male dominated society. In the military females are the minorities, so I have to show them that I am serious. Also, ROTC has taught me to never give up. In the army, just because you’re a female you are still given equal responsibilities to the males no matter how difficult. We benefit the military because one we add diversity and two we show our male counterparts that we can do just as much as they can do mentally, physically, and intellectually.

What experience and skills has ROTC given you?

The ROTC program has given me many survival and combat skills that will be beneficial for a military career. Along with the intense physical training, I have

been taught land navigation, tactical combat swimming, and training that involves suicide prevention and sexual assault awareness.

As a female, how has ROTC benefited you and how do women

After graduating, what are your plans and how do you intend to use your experience in ROTC? After graduating, I hope to commission as a U.S. Officer and work in the legal side of the Army.

I feel that ROTC has provided me with the confidence to execute a career in law. I want to bring justice to people who have been affected negatively while in the army, specifically sexual assault.

Author: Trevon Malcom

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Student Highlight

Clark Atlanta University Student Highlight by Trevon Hughes Jalen Seward: 21 years old, from Fayetteville, NC, junior year, B.A. in Management

An illustrative genius, Seward channels creative thought and depicts the images on a canvas.

From as early as he can remember, Seward has held a passion for art.

It was not until a year ago that he decided to test his work with painting. Using social media, Jalen has established a means to profit from his artwork. From his Instagram account, @Seward_22, people began noticing the value in his work. With a businesslike mind, Seward began selling his creations. “The more I do it, every time I pick up the brush, it’s always that much better.” Recently, Seward painted an image of Cartoon Network’s “Courage the Cowardly Dog”.

“For a couple of weeks, I had Courage stuck in my head [laughs].

Then, usually from my head, it goes to the sketch pad.

From the pad, it goes to the canvas.”

When it comes to school, Seward admits that he

does not always see the reason for attending, but, “My vision is driving me right now... in school, I can learn about the technical aspects of the art and opening my own business”. Ultimately, Seward will open an art gallery, featuring his work through the decades. For now, people can expect to see more work from Seward by this summer, as he prepares for an art show, featuring his work. It’s very important that people understand my art. I want them to feel how I felt when I was creating it. But not everyone is going to see my vision.”

Author: Jordan Watters

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A PR Dream Come True Carter described the Network as “ambitious can-do-will-do young women who are eager to summersault their way into their dream careers of becoming jet-setting journalist, publicist, communicators and everything in between.”

Dedicated Black Public Relations Student Society – Spelman chapter President launched Her Communications Agency & Her Communications Network On the back of Danyelle R. Carter’s gloss styled business cards it reads, “Fun Fact: My communications journey began in fifth grade when I was elected Class Representative of Room 17 at North Miami Elementary. I handed out Oreos and makeshift “vote for me” posters made from the pages of my composition notebook.”

While, back then she did not know she could aspire to be a communications professional, she has always possessed an innate passion for all facets of communications. Carter graduated summa cum laude from Miami

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Dade College (MDC), with a dual associate of arts degree in mass communications and journalism. At MDC, she charted the first public relations and communications club and served as the public relations director to student government association.

Carter continued her education at Spelman College despite the College not offering communications and public relations courses. “For me, Spelman, an all-women institution—an institution that encourages women to change the world was the next logical step for me. I transferred as a comparative women’s studies major on an individualized track focusing on communications and public relations.” She took courses at neighboring institution, Clark Atlanta University, and paired them with her women’s studies courses as she began her journey of serving as a “champion, communicator, and convener for girls and women,” she said.

Currently, the President of the Black Public Relations Society – Spelman chapter and Integrated Marketing and Communications Manager to Spelman’s student publication, “The BluePrint: A Spelman Spotlight Publication,” Carter plans to focus on her budding entrepreneurial endeavors—Her Communications Agency, LLC and Her Communications Network, LLC. In March 2014, women’s

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history month, Carter launched Her Communications Network.

During this month, women who has contributed to events in history and contemporary society are honored and highlighted. Her Communication Network is a first-of-its-kind multi-platform network that bridges the gap between interest and entry-level for young women aspiring to enter communications fields.

Carter created a GroupMe of 25 students she meet at PRcentered events aspiring to be mass communications and mass media professionals to test what would happen if we constantly shared information with one another and created a hub to help one another as they journey into demanding fields.

“It worked! Girls immediately began sharing links, and screenshots of opportunities for PR, Print and Broadcast Journalism, Radio, Marketing, Advertising and Social Media.

More importantly, it became a hub for us when it came to prepping for interviews, cover letter and resume advice, and frequent reminders that we can achieve our dreams.” Carter described the network as “ambitious can-do-will-do young women who are eager to summersault their way into their dream careers of becoming jet-setting journalists, publicists, communicators, and everything in between.”

After a year of building a core sisterhood of Her Communication

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Network members, Carter created an Instagram and Twitter account with tips for girls everywhere to share on what she had learned to share with others. Soon after, people began commenting on photos asking her if she could help with their projects. This inspired Carter to launch Her Communications Agency, a purpose driven agency that powers stories, media and technology to accelerate social change to make the world a better place for women and girls. HCA includes audits and plans, social media listening, and assisting clients in articulating their thought leadership and crafting messages in earned media channels.

“My Network’s purpose is to make each woman feel like she has her own support system of other females going through the same thing she’s going through—hence, the name, Her Communications Network- because it’s hers. It’s women championing other women as they navigate into their careers.

My Agency’s purpose is to work with small advocacy-centered organizations for women and girls. We are an organization’s megaphone toting cheerleader sharing their incredible stories as they work to uplift women and girls.

Author

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Web:

Social Media:

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#bedifferent “Luxurious footwear for an affordable price�

Feature Interview: Drew Sidora- pg. 28 Steering Without a Navigation System- pg. 30 On the Yard: Zeta Phi Beta- pg. 32 Student Highlight: Darone Okolie- pg. 34 Tea with the Queen- pg. 35 Elisa Thomas- pg. 37 Couch Potatoes United- pg. 39 Tree’s Motivational Corner- pg. 40

Magazine

Author: Vincent Cunningham

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DREW 28

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SIDORA Drew Sidora is a woman immersed in her purpose and she is striving to make that concept contagious among Chicago’s minority youth. Drew’s acting career has

and “Step Up”. She has also been on the small screen in In 2013, Drew portrayed Tionne “T- Boz” Watkins, the lead singer of the multi-platinum selling R&B girl generated 4.5 million viewers, making it the highest-

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Dream Makers Foundation

to me to know and understand that if I came from this place and I was able to make something out of myself, then I have to bring back inspiration and hope to them, so they may be able to do exactly what I am doing, if not, greater things,” said Drew. helping Chicago’s youth through creating the Dream teachings, educational seminars, lectures, workshops, interactive learning forums, and a wide range of various

Currently, Drew is starring in the VH1 series “Hindsight” and the Bounce TV series “One Love”.

by the things you often see in Chicago- the violence-

“Whenever I go back home (Chicago, Illinois), I speak

themselves.” Drew passionately proclaimed.

to better my life and situation?’, ‘I don’t think I can ever make it’, ‘I can’t ever be anything’. After having a conversation with them, you realize that the simple

Drew speaks about the components of a recent Dream Makers Foundation event in the Roseland community in Chicago, when she stated, “Andrea Kelly from Hollywood Exes, did a choreography workshop to teach young girls to move their bodies, and to help

Photo credit: True Life Photography L.L.C

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Drew Sidora Twitter: @drewsidora Instagram: @drewsidora Website: drewsidora.com

them to become comfortable in the skin that they are her personal involvement when she mentioned, “In my workshop we talked about expressing yourself

emotions they did not even realize they had inside of them.” Dream Makers also has a counseling component present during one of the workshops. Drew goes in depth about the seminar when she states, “My mom did counseling, she is a pastor. In her session, a lot of girls someone. A lot of them did not have anyone that they felt comfortable to talk with about their problems and the things that they are dealing with in their minds.

“We had all these phenomenal people come on board, and really support these young girls. By the time it was over, girls were smiling walking with their heads up and chest out. It was so uplifting and very emotional.” said Drew in regards to the Dream Makers Foundation’s event in the Roseland community in Chicago .

In May 2014, Dream Makers co-hosted a youth job expo at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy in Chicago, Illinois, and had over 1500 attendees. Dream Makers has also made appearances in schools and community centers. Recently, Dream Makers was invited to Selma for the 50th Anniversary to talk about youth engagement. Drew feels a person’s passion in life is important and states, “It’s all about gift is in the inside of you that you were born with; that is what you should use to push you through in life. No may not support you or think that you will fail or not succeed, it is up to you to determine your success and your future. You have to believe in yourself and follow your passion; that is what is going to make you happy in life, which is what’s most important. that’s our purpose. I think a lot of people miss that often times.”

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Are We Steering Young People Towards College Without a Navigation System?

In 2011 the Common Core Standards were introduced and implementation by school districts across the United States. To date, there are forty-three states that have voluntarily adopted and are working to implement the standards. One of the reasons that these Standards were designed was to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to take introductory college courses for credit at two- or four-year institutions instead of the approximately 35% of high school graduates who must take noncredit remedial created to ensure that young people are ready to enter the workforce ready to compete in the 21st Century.

In essence the primary focus for this implementation was to ensure that students leave High School “College should be prepared for post-secondary options that will enable them to compete not only for college and 21st jobs but the global economy as well. While the Common Core focuses on rigorous academic standards and skills that will be required for high skilled jobs, there is no emphasis on how to discover what jobs young people are best suited for, direction on how they can successfully attain those jobs or whether or not In school buildings across the U.S. students are being steered toward college because K-12 education is

focusing on a college going culture. Many school districts have even begun the college conversation as early as Kindergarten with the hope that exposing young children to college will increase the likelihood that they will attend. In reality, the number of young people attending a college or university as a postsecondary option now is the lowest it has been since the 70’s. Interestingly enough quite a few people believe that the number of people with a degree is much higher than it is. According to the 2011 U.S. Census Bureau roughly 33% of U.S. adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher, so then where does that leave the other approximately 70%. College is pushed so young people can make more money and have better opportunities. While it’s true statistically that a post-secondary degree increases earning potential over a person’s work life, the rise in college tuition, cuts to federal aid and fear of burdensome student loans leave many opting out. Ultimately, the goal for all young people post High School is to be gainfully employed. However, if obtaining a college degree is truly about job opportunities then why is the primary focus education but not careers. And how do we assist the nearly 70 percent who will choose not to enroll in higher education? We provide a navigation system for all young people.

So what does a navigation system look like? How do

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we ensure that young people are making informed decisions before graduating and are prepared for life them with the tools they need to create a path that is A career assessment is a tool that is used to help identify a person’s skills, interests and abilities. Once a young person has their results they can use them aligning their high school coursework and program college prep, career/technical education and career academy programs directly aligned with a young person’s interests that will prepare them for life after high school no matter which route they decide to take. Finally, they should locate Service Learning opportunities in their career interest. Service Learning, once dubbed Community Service, combines what students learn in the classroom with need in the community. For example, if a young person is interested in becoming a veterinarian, they would take high school courses related to their interest and they could possibly do their service learning at an animal direct alignment with a college major and other postdaunting, assisting young people with making informed

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are equipped with the tools they need to be steered in a clear direction.

Fb: Felicia StepUpYourLife Meadows Twitter: @FeliciaGMeadows Fb Group: Parents of Tomorrow’s Future Website: www.feliciameadows.com

Author: Christina Junior

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On The Yard

ZPhiB Name: Tina Junior HBCU Attended: University of Maryland Eastern Shore Major: Business Education Graduation Year: 2010, Cum Laude Current Educational Status/ School: Doctor of Business Administration in Leadership, Walden University (C/O 2016) Organization and Chapter Affiliation: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Eta Pi Zeta Chapter (Silver Spring, Maryland)

Tell us about your experience at your HBCU, University of MarylandEastern Shore (UMES). What made you decide to attend? Also, What made you decide to attend an HBCU instead of a PWI (Predominantly White Institution)?

I’ll be honest – attending an HBCU wasn’t my first choice. We had a college fair at my high school around January/February of my senior year (2005), and by then I had already gotten into, and was ready to accept a scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh. But, my Father insisted I go and see if I could get into a closer school.

The recruiter from UMES seemed extremely excited about the school, so I spoke to him for a few minutes, and gave him my information, not thinking that it would turn into anything. The next thing I knew, I was offered a tuition scholarship. .

How do you believe your experience at UMES shaped your perception of yourself; your perception of higher education; your perception of Greek Letter Organizations, overall?

I admired the work that the Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO) did at my school. They were always involved on campus,

whether in student government, student athletes, honors students, resident assistants, etc. In addition to those roles, they had good grades, and did community service.

I always felt like they were part of the backbone of our school. They embodied everything I was striving to be, coming from a neighborhood where most people my age don’t necessarily make it out to do anything successful.

What do you say to critics who claim an HBCU education isn’t as good as that of a PWI? I would tell them that my HBCU education got me my first summer internship at NASA. I’ve been able to travel with the Honda Campus All Star Challenge Team. I learned leadership skills as a resident assistant, and gained confidence by running for Ms. University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The resume I created sophomore year of college during a business seminar class got me my first job after college at the Department of Energy as a graduate intern – a job that I secured six months before graduation. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I have friends that are fellow UMES Alum, that are

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doctors, lawyers, PhD recipients, entrepreneurs. So, my HBCU education isn’t AS GOOD as that of a PWI – it was 100% better, because I can’t say with certainty that I would have received the same opportunities from a PWI.

What made you join Zeta Phi Beta?

Why Grad Chapter?

The principles of scholarship, service, and sisterhood definitely stood out to me as unique to the organization. But the one principle that is specific to Zeta is Finer Womanhood. To me, a Finer Woman is one that strives for excellence in everything that she

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does. She embodies the essence of being awesome, and I know that my ultimate goal is to be a great example for other young women to follow and emulate. This is even more important to me now that I am a Mother. Zeta holds true to these principles in everything from the Get Engaged Initiative, to the Storks Nest Campaign, and the National Educational Foundation.

It is something that I’ve always admired about the organization, and it really made me want to be a part of it.

What do you get out of being a sister of ZPhiB? I’ve gained leadership experience as the corresponding secretary and social media chair for my chapter. I’m gaining invaluable experience on effective leadership and organizational dynamics.

I’m apart of initiatives that help people in their everyday lives. Most importantly, I gained a VERY LARGE family – and since I don’t have family in Maryland, it’s been the biggest blessing that I could hope for to have them in my life.

What are some key values/ missions/

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initiatives of ZPhiB and how do you plan to contribute/ uphold those ideals?

I’m a social media fanatic, so I try to use that as a platform to advocate the different programs/initiatives we implement. One of our recent initiatives is “Get Engaged”, which deals heavily with Social Action in our communities. We also have our March for Babies campaign that deals with prematurity awareness, and we raise money for the March of Dimes, as well as do a walk every year. As far as our values, I believe I exemplify them on a regular basis - I’m a Wife, Mom, Scholar, and Zeta, all wrapped in one What advice would you give a student at the undergrad or graduate level looking to join your organization?

Reach out to a chapter in your area, and attend events with the members. That is how you will get to know us, and learn more about what we do in the community. Feel free to ask questions, and know that this opportunity is one that involves hard work, dedication, and commitment.

Author: Trevon Hughes

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Clark Atlanta University Student Highlight

Darone Okolie: 21 years old, pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts “I think I was born an actor.” Shy as a child, Darone took to acting, as a mean to increase his public speaking. While in high school, Darone earned a scholarship through the College Success Foundation, granting him fuding toward school, and took courses in high school that went toward early college credits.

Darone believes that school is vital when it comes to pursuing his acting

career. “College balances you out.

As an actor, you must read scripts every day. By me coming to class and learning different scripts, learning history, it helps with the roles that I play.” Darone credits wanting longevity in the industry, as his reason to continue remaining consistent. “After I’m done with a project, I’m already working on another one.” Darone has recently been filmed in Lee Daniel’s “Selma”, in a scene alongside Oprah Winfrey. In addition, “Bad Inten-

tions”, a film depicting the underground trade of human trafficking in Atlanta,are in select theaters now.

Darone’s role involves him aiding his best friend, as they maneuver through the lucrative trade, hustling a young woman. Continually aiming to portray roles relevant to modern time, Darone chooses to not just play roles stereotypical to black men in film. “If you’ve got talent, then your ethnicity is not going to stop you.

Whether it’s a white director or black director, they are going to work with you. You’ve got to know what you want.” For those seeking careers in acting, Darone tips that one must first “...accept them self. Also, understand why you started, and let that be the reason you keep going.”

Years from now, Darone will open a self owned talent agency, in the D.C., Maryland, and/or Virginia area, that will allow for young artists to enhance their skills through applied training and mentoring.

Author: Shalonda Wallace

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Tea With the Queen

Shalonda Wallace, a Mass Media Arts Major at Clark Atlanta University decided to study abroad her senior year to gain more knowledge in the television and film industry. She shares her bizarre adventures as well as gives advice about how students can take the necessary steps to travel abroad as well.

The first step is choosing a university of your choice. I decided

to travel across the world to attend Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom.

Then, you need to apply for the most qualified third party study abroad program. I choose CIEE and Truman State University to assist with my study abroad process though my home university CAU. Although you will be applying for numerous of scholarships to enjoy your time abroad, it is essential that you are simultaneously meeting with the academic chairmen of the courses you will take while abroad to get a signature. That way, all of your course will be accepted both the study abroad program and your home university.

Students are required to have two letters of recommendations from their institution’s professors of their choice, a current unofficial transcript (can be obtained from their school’s website), two passport-sized photos, a copy of their financial aid award letter turned in before the application deadline and doing some research to prepare for leaving the country.

Learning how to budget your money by converting to different currency system as well as adjusting

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the balance between my social life and my academics, were some of my biggest challenges.

During my experience at Edge Hill University, I had the opportunity to meet a variety of student from all around the globe with different nationalities and ethnicities. With that, I had the chance to reshape any stereotypical perceptions that I conceived throughout my lifetime and observe for myself. The people that I have met were so authentic and diverse.

(Ex: British, Koreans, Germans, Italians, Spanish, Americans, Sinhalese). The journey along the way was awesome, I took courses that I needed for career growth such as Advanced Production for Television and Film, RealLife Stories Documentaries, International Marketing, and African American History.

These courses helped me excel in my language skills, hone my language skills, and escape from my comfort zone. I decided to be courageous and audition for a play called Cinder’s: A Beyoncé Cinderella Story. It was theatrical aspect of the Toderick Hall’s, “Cinderonce’s” a retold version of

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the classic Cinderella story while using Beyoncé songs. One of my favorite field trips was mediating at the Conway Castle, a medieval fortification on the north coast of Wales that the King and Queen lived in. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. It was a very powerful experience.

My friends and I planned trips on the days we did not have classes.

We traveled may different citiesParis, Barcelona, Milan, London, Amsterdam, Wales, Liverpool, and Manchester. I took so many pictures

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to capture the beauty of the most interesting places on earth.

Instead of driving around, we walked around and stopped to embrace beautiful monuments, foods, main attractions, the people. Some of my favorite memories was the Picasso museum, the Eiffel Tower, The Big Ben, Buckington Palace (Prince William and Princess Kate residence), the Red Light District, and Anne Frank house.

One of my biggest accomplishment was acknowledging that the adventures was worth more than money can buy. It taught me how to survive in the most intense and unexpected situations at such a young age.

Another lesson I learned while being abroad is learning how to be more aware of my environment at all times. While walking the red light district in Amsterdam, my friends and I were once followed by a violent provocative man and attacked by a drunken friendly Dutch woman with vomit all over her trying to force hugs upon us.

Studying abroad has taught me is to make sure that I have done my research on the laws of the countries

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before traveling there. I almost went to jail for a miscommunication between myself and a cab driver.

I tried using speak to the driver in French and said, “Please do not pull off until my girlfriends and I decide where we were heading”. Unfortunately, he did not understand and it turned into big scene on a beautiful night in Paris.

Although traveling was a thriller, there were many fun things I liked to do for fun while attending my Edge Hill University such as eating lunch at the SuBar, drinking wine, enjoying the nightlife, meeting new people and learning new languages.

Most importantly, I lived in the moment like my life depended on it and documented each moment while abroad for life-long memories.

Now, I am able to go back and relive each moment. As a result, I was able to produce my own documentary called “Abroad In The City” to highlight my study abroad experiences. Overall, this opportunity has allowed me to find a deeper perspectives of my own beliefs, dreams, and fears. If you are looking to study abroad, I can guarantee you that you will not regret it and leave the program having made life-long friends, a new perspective on life and feeling like a boss!

Author: DrDesha

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Elisa Thomas during your time at school. of success before being crowned Miss University of Virgin Islands (UVI) 2014-15 & Miss National Black College Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Fame Queen 2014-15. As a child, she grew up becoming a timid youth. Yet, it was through dancing and pageantry that she developed the ability to become recalls her amazement at the fact that people would listen when she spoke. Her actions spoke in higher volumes when she became one of college.

Elisa began her collegiate career attending an university in Pennsylvania, but missing her family and “friends she returned the the U. S. Virgin Islands and attended college there. She remembers forming a friendship with an upperclassman who was able to show her the ropes and this eased her transition into school. She advises all to acquire mentors, advisors, counselors, or a good friend to count on

While in school, Elisa was a member of the Golden Key Society and the UVI Dance Team.

When she began at UVI, Elisa winning the title of Miss UVI, this allowed her the opportunity to live on campus and she became even more engaged in the culture and life of UVI. Graduating in May, Magna Cum Laude, with a major in Communications, Elisa is utilizing her platforms to develop her talents and enrich the lives of others. Elisa lost her sister to domestic violence and from this experience she has wanted to “Build Blocks of Empowerment” and start empowering girls between the ages of 7 and 12. By aligning these young girls with mentors who are movers and shakers and helping them develop in helping young women to stray away from abusive relationships.

Along with this, Elisa has put on

school supply and toiletry drives for Lockhart Elementary, the school she attended as a youth. In the youth in her organization, Elisa wants to own her own talk show and enter into grad school.

Elisa encourages everyone to enter pageantry, not for the competitiveness, but for the experience. Elisa notes that pageants help individulation, and in obtaining lifetime friends and connections. She even mentions how while competing in Miss NBCA Hall of Fame, she competed with some of the most

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“Take your candle and light the world” beautiful, intelligent, and pure of heart queens- which is contrary to the negative image that surrounds

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pageantry in the media.

When asked what advice she would give to today’s youth, Elisa replied, to believe in yourself. Tell yourself that you are good enough. You have to get your mind right. Feel the part, look the part, dress the part. Practice, practice, practice (your talents). You have to take your candle (your niche) and light

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the world.”

Elisa looks forward to continuing to be a part of the program and in crowning the next Miss NBCA Hall of Fame 2015-16 at the 30th Anniversary of the Alumni Hall of Fame Weekend, September 23-27 in Atlanta, Georgia. Follow abreast of her future endeavors.

Author: Wymanette Castaneda

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Couch Potatoes United If you have a body, you are an athlete.” -Bill Bowerman, Cofounder of Nike.

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2013 Harvard Health Letter “Minimizing long periods of inactivity, like exercising during commercial breaks, can help reduce the risk of injury,” says Kalin Collins, a physical therapist at a General Hospital. doing to maintain your athletic status? Don’t worry, I’m not asking you to go out and purchase new shoes, exercise clothes, or gym equipment. Never fear, even if you are a couch potato, I have good that you can do while sitting down, in your own home, dorm room, apartment, etc. Yes, you can work seated upright on a couch. You can even raise your heart rate and work oblique muscles (the muscles on the sides of your stomach). All of the exercises that I am about to mention can be done while seated during commercials: 1)Sit to Stand: Literally going from a sitting to standing to sitting again position. Do this simple exercise 10x in a row. Rest for 1 minute and

I wanted to weep tears of joy. I recently came upon an article that stated that at least 40% of Americans do not get enough exercise. However, back to the aforementioned statement, that means that no matter what your age, ethnicity, height, or weight, if you are breathing and have a body, you ARE an athlete. According to a study in the December

front of the thigh and muscles in the buttocks. It can even elevate the heart rate through repeated repetitions.

2)Calf Stretch: Sit on the edge of toward the ceiling. Hold this pose with the other leg. Repeat 3x per each leg.

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3)Shoulder Blade Squeeze: Pinch your shoulder blades together, but not up. Hold this pose for 10 to relieve tension and stress in an area where a lot of people tend to hold it.

4)Abdominals: Sit in a chair (or couch) with good posture. Place in front of you, hip width apart.

Contract your lower abdominal muscles and hold for 3 seconds. the muscles on the left and hold for 3 seconds. Twist to the right. right, again holding for 3 seconds.

Eventually, you will want to work up to 60 second intervals at a time.

To challenge yourself, you can alternate from left to right in the same set. didn’t even have to get up and interrupt your reading of this magazine! To paraphase Nike: (Let’s) Just Do It.

Author

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Tree’s

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Motivational Corner

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When The Going Gets Tough, Don’t Quit

by LaTresa “Tree” Cunningham

Being a coach I run across many different young athletes. The thing that I enjoy about this is that I get to help make an impact on young athletes. I try to make a positive impact in their lives while being stern and letting them know that nothing comes easy in life. Everything that you want in life you have to work for. And not just work for, but you have to work hard for it and make sacrifices to get it. The thing is that everyone says they want to win and be successful in sports and more importantly in life, but when it comes to proving that they want to be successful in sports and life many of them quit when the going gets tough. I just do not understand this at all. I do understand them wanting to quit. When you are young, a lot of youth want to quit sports for many different reasons. Most of them want to quit just because they got upset at their coach or teammate, or because of something minor.

The first year I played basketball in the 8th grade I told my mommy that I wanted to quit because I did not like my two coaches and felt that they did not like me either. I used to be a very shy and quiet person and did not take well to them yelling at me and speaking to me the way they did. My mommy told me that I could not quit. I was shocked. She said that I started basketball and I had to finish basketball. She came up to my next practice and had a talk with my two coaches and told them that I wanted to quit and explained to them that I did not think that they liked me. They started laughing. I personally did not see what was so funny. They then told me that they were hard on me because I had great potential to be a great athlete and basketball player. Even though they knew it was my first time touching a basketball they said I was a natural talent and could go far if I wanted to. The fact that I was

6’1” at the time had a lot to do with it also. That talk made a huge difference to me. My coaches started being nicer to me and started giving me compliments when I did something well. They still stayed on me when I needed to correct something, but I felt that their tone was different.

That year turned out to be a great year for me. I received the Most Improved Player award and had a successful year in basketball. I later went on to Bishop Borgess High School and played basketball for Dave Mann who is one of the best basketball coaches to ever coach the game.

His coaching style is just like Pat Summit’s coaching style. Dave led our basketball team to three State Championships in a row. We worked hard, but the fact that our team Three-Peated was a great feeling! I then received numerous high level Division I full basketball and volleyball scholarships to great schools like Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky,

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Do not give up when things get rough or when you or your team go through difficult times.

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Minnesota, and etc. I could go on and on with the names of the schools that I could have gone to, but the point is that I had options. I had options all because I did not quit when the going got tough. I am so thankful to my mommy for making me stick it out. I am a much better person because of it.

One thing I notice about many youth nowadays is that when things get difficult they quit. What amazes me about this is that I am shocked that their parents let them quit. When I have children they will not be able to quit anything that they start. If they start it, they will finish it. Too many parents let their children come home with a sob story about how their feelings were hurt and they do not like playing anymore and want to quit, and they let them. This hurts our youth.

Sports are about so much more than just playing a sport. Sports are about learning life lessons on and off the court that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Sports teach you things about discipline, hard work, never giving up, team work, character, and etc. There is a very long list of benefits that comes from playing

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sports.

My advice to you is to not quit. Do not give up when things get rough or when you or your team go through difficult times. You will grow a closer bond with them because you all went through it together, and you will be a stronger person because of it. Ask many of the great athletes who kept going when things got difficult. My favorite one to use is the great Michael Jordan. What would have happened to him if he just quit playing basketball after he got cut and did not make his basketball team? But instead of quitting, he worked harder and not only made every team he tried out for after that, but became the greatest to ever play the game! This does not just apply to athletes. This applies to everyone. Those of you in medical school, pursuing a singing career, or an acting career. Do not give up when you get those “no’s” when you go to auditions. All you need is that one “yes” and your life will be changed.

Keep believing in yourself and most importantly when the going gets tough, Don’t Quit!

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LaTresa “Tree” Cunningham Twitter: @PurpleDiva13 Instagram: @PurpleDiva13

Author:Marcia Robinson, MBA

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Making Bold Career Moves Tips for dispelling job search myths and succeeding in the first year on the job.

For the last several years, the US economy has not at all been very kind to new college graduates who have struggled to land that first big job. However, all that could change this year according to the 2014 Job Outlook survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The annual survey results show that hiring will be up 7.8% over last year for new grads.

This is good news for students in the class of 2014.

This transition from college to career is a very exciting time for emerging professionals who have spent years preparing for successful career launch. However, although commencement is a time of great joy, pride and anticipation, it is also a very scary time as new graduates embark on job search to land that first big job right out of college.

This job search is the first big hurdle for getting that career off the ground.

What I have found after 15 years as

a job search helper, is that new grads can sabotage their own job search and on-the-job success, by falling prey to job search myths and preconceived notions.

I don’t have to sell myself in the interview since I attended (insert college name here)!

This myth is a job search killer and new grads experience a rude awakening when they find they must still compete for a job after graduation, despite the college or university they attended. Some new college graduates buy into the notion that the reputation of their college will open more doors than they do.

To some extent, yes, the reputation of your college goes a long way to attract employers to recruit on campus. However, none of that will make the employer hire you.

Recruiters hire you, not your college.

Psychologists. Once you graduate, you are no longer bound by your college major when exploring the job market. Understanding this transition from major to career is a critical step. Instead of focusing on college major, new grads should read job descriptions carefully for duties, responsibilities, projects and tasks involved in the work.

Internships are only for college students; not for college graduates!

I have to find a job in my major!

Not true. New grads should look at internships as a way to build skills, explore industries and gain work experience after graduation. This is a really good strategy for those graduates who did not complete internships while they were in school. Keep in mind that the National Association of Colleges and Employers data shows that 60% of paid interns get full time job offers from their internship companies.

Many new professionals fail to transition their conversations from talking about their majors to talking about their career goals or plans.

I often remind new graduates that not all Psychology majors are

Once you land your first big job after graduation you are well on your way to building your career. But, before you think it is time to slack off and become complacent, remember that

Magazine

Questions to a Journalist- pg. 44 Pretty Brown Girls Cultivating the Workplace- pg. 45 LaDarrien Gillette’s Choice to Change the World- pg. 47

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Questions to a Journalist What if you had the chance to interview someone in your field that could tell you what they experienced in college? For me, it’s a dream come true to get to interview the First Lady at my church, Mrs. Ivy Couch, about the experiences she had while in school.

Did you always want to study journalism in college or did you have other dreams?

I always wanted to do a combination of journalism and singing. I had a passion for bringing a story to life on campus at Spelman. I was the president of my high school newspaper and I knew then that I wanted to keep pursuing writing. Since Spelman didn’t specifically have a journalism major, I took classes at Clark Atlanta University. At the same time, singing was a big part of my life. I would write songs along with my stories.

What encouraged you to attend Spelman?

Living in Boston, I attended mostly predominantly white private schools. I wanted to be around African American women; I wanted to know if that type of atmosphere was around and existed. My high school toured different colleges, but primarily the top Universities-- no HBCU’s. My cousin also went to

Spelman, so that’s how I heard of it.

I toured the school and fell in love with it.

it was like to be on my own for the first time. It grew me up. I have no regrets.

Being that you were an English major, did you have to write a lot of papers?

Oh yes, you have to! I loved it though because I loved to write.

I loved analyzing stories and characters because I’m an analytical person. I went to Colombia to study abroad for a semester. Spelman was harder at grading my papers than Colombia. My professors said I was an excellent writer. The biggest critique I received was my grammar.

Also, one of my professors said that I wouldn’t look over my papers properly. I would rush and turn it in to get it over with.

What advice can you give me and others going into the journalism field?

Journalism is being threatened in today’s world, but it’s the very thing our world relies on to connect us during tragedy and everyday changes in our world. Anyone going into this field must be bold; one must prayerfully look to know themselves to be able to find your true voice as a journalist, and thus, be better equipped to tell someone else’s story with conviction. Any journalist must be willing to maintain integrity, as a gift to be able to write and tell the stories that transform us and help us to understand the human condition and ever changing world that we all must live in together.

Did you do any internhipss? If so, how did you get started?

Along with the Spelman newspaper, I wrote for Source Magazine while I was living in New York. This was a big opportunity because at that time in 1998-1999, they were the top hip hop magazine so I got the chance to work with big time editors.

Overall, how would you explain your college experience?

I would explain it as Phenomenal.

I was able to find out who I was as a woman and a friend. I knew what

This just goes to show that you have to chase after your dreams. Mrs. Ivy Couch went and got what she wanted. You can’t just sit around waiting for something to happen.

Mrs. Couch took risk by coming to Atlanta on her own, by studying abroad, and by going to New York to intern. Take risk, have fun, but most importantly, stay true to yourself and you will go far in life.

Author: Alexandria Fuller

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Pretty Brown Girls

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Cultivating the Workplace

Spelman College strongly focuses on the importance of mentorship and giving back to the community.

It is through the efforts of Julissa Hunte that young black girls are not only given positive role models, but are also challenged to find confidence to make their dreams a reality.

Julissa Hunte, Spelman College Student, Junior Environmental Science Major From: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Over the past two years Julissa Hunte has transcended student leadership at Spelman College to the next level through her sacrifice to mentor young black girls in the Atlanta community. Julissa is a junior Environmental Science major on a Pre-law tract and the current President of the Pretty Brown Girls Organization at Spelman College.

She has become an advocate for the success of young black girls. In 2013 Julissa partnered with her mentor Sherry Crawley, the founder of Pretty Brown Girls, to start a Pretty Brown Girls Chapter on Spelman College’s Campus.

When asked about the mission of Pretty Brown Girls Julissa confidently says, “Pretty Brown Girls is a national organization whose missions is to empower young girls and also encourage them to pursue higher education and professional jobs. Sherry Crawley the founder and my mentor felt

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“My main goal for women in general is to foster where we can be in the front of everything and not in the background. I have worked to bring about confidence in black women to challenge the male dominated work force.” that Atlanta would be the perfect market for that. There are a lot of confidence issues in Atlanta, specifically identity issues of black girls. I feel that its important that girls know their identity and have the confidence to pursue their dreams, and also uphold confidence in themselves to prepare for the workplace where they will always be judged.”

As Julissa reflects on her reason for taking part in this organization she relates it to her own career aspirations. “I want to be an environmental lawyer and bridged the gap between science and law. A major thing as a black community is that we are very unaware about the environment and the environmental disparity, food deserts, water deserts, air pollution and that minority communities are mostly affected. My knowledge of this helped me make the girls aware. No topic is off limit. We talk about anything happening around their surroundings. The more knowledgeable you are about these topics the more knowledgeable your going to be about how to handle these situations.”

Much of the advice that Julissa gives to the members of Pretty Brown Girls is rooted in the challenges she has faced being the only black girl in the work place. “ I worked with Georgia Tech in a fellowship project focused on oil spill cleanup with BP Oil Spill on the Florida Coast. My job was to create a mechanism to degrade the oil using microbiology and then to also examine the economical and political problems going on within the spill. Out of two women I was the only black girl. It was a challenging environment, because I felt like I was being talked down to all the time. It taught me to stand my ground. As a black woman my work is not over I’m still going to have to prove myself. It is a disadvantage, but it also pushes you to do better.”

Julissa went on to explain how her own success has led to her helping the members of Pretty Brown Girls begin to find their confidence in pursuing their dreams in Atlanta. “We had an Atlanta Club that chartered the second International Pretty Brown Girls because of the success of the first

year. The impact we have had in the Atlanta community is large. We had a Creative Soul photo shoot of 4 members in middle school that are a part of the Spelman chapter, they were featured in the recent Selma movie as the four Birmingham girls that were bombed in the church”.

For Julissa her work is not done as she continues to pursue her bachelor’s degree and plans to create programs that make the black community aware of the ways in which they can truly reach success. “My main goal for women in general is to foster where we can be in the front of everything and not in the background. I have worked to bring about confidence in black women to challenge the male dominated work force.” It is through the leadership and success of young black women like Julissa Hunte that the fight for equality and success in the workforce is becoming a realistic goal for the youth of today.

Author: Alexandria Fuller

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LaDarrien Gillette’s Choice to Change the World the world” has been exemplified through LaDarrien’s global and local determinations to transform the legal system and its efforts to reduce the abuse of women and children, by creating the Priceless organization at Spelman College.

It all started with the movie Taken, when LaDarrien Gillette, a Junior International Studies Major at Spelman College, decided to stand against the global issue of human sex trafficking. It is often encouraged that Spelman students travel abroad, but it is always amazing when the education they receive transforms from a black woman having a global experience to a black woman making an impact in the world. Spelman College’s motto of “ A choice to change

When asked about the leadership opportunities she has received for her efforts to create awareness for human sex trafficking LaDarrien responded, “I have had the chance to speak to a group of students who are studying theology at Emory University. I recently received the Dalai Llama Fellowship. I also have a mentor program coming up called Priceless Ambassadors and I am currently creating a lesson plan for a Sporty Girls Inc. issue that addresses human sex trafficking.”

Not only is LaDarrien an advocate on campus, but she has also used her knowledge to take on leadership

positions at Spelman College.

“Since I have been at Spelman I have served on the Freshman Class Council Community Service Chair, Social Justice Fellowship, Blueprint Editor, and I am the Founder and President of Priceless.”

For LaDarrien the efforts she has made as a student are only foundations for the impact she hopes to make in the future.

When asked about how she will incorporate her efforts of dealing with sex trafficking into her future plans she responded, “I plan to go straight to law school. Emory is my first choice. My dream is to be youngest female black prosecutor working in the special victims unit. After that I plan to go to D.C. to help with the coordination of human trafficking through prevention care, better legal frameworks, aftercare, and working with law enforcement training. I’m currently working with ADP and learning their efforts and how it can be better. I believe that it is a problem if every law enforcer does not have the knowledge to deal with these issues.” It is not everyday that young black women takes the charge to transform the lives of those across the globe, but with efforts like LaDarrien she is serving as role model for young black girls who strive to make a positive impact in the world.

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The Righteous Sin

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Book Summary

Tell us a little about your background and what qualifies you to write this book.

I’ve always really enjoyed solving puzzles and as I was trained as an “old skool social worker” about 25 years ago. I aimed to solve the underlying problem and not superficially (for example – teaching a person to fish – rather than just giving them a fish). So, I was committed to making a real difference, while being fascinated with what makes people tick. I wanted to truly understand and be able to help them solve their problems.

My outlook of a perfect, safe world, together with my naiveté, meant I overlooked things like oppression, racism, poverty, education, socialization, culture, faith, and the like. All of those factors play a part in making people who they are, but instead of being overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem, it fueled my efforts to seek a realistic and effective solution. I was up for the challenge and went where the information took me. I quickly left social services when I realized that “the system” was the problem and moved into academia, but then realized that they also contributed to the problem.

I became involved with seeing things differently and sought out alternative approaches.

My grandfather was a village elder and I wondered how he had solved problems in their communities before the

so-called “professional helper”—therapists, counselors, advisors… This formed the basis of my doctoral research and I happily found myself studying the traditional healers in Botswana, Southern Africa along with the inspirational works of Francis Cress Wesling, Na’im Akbar, Richard Wright, and Franz Fanon. Is it possible to solve people’s problems—yes, but it wasn’t going to look or feel like the way we have been taught to think of as problem solving. I began to see personal problem solving differently and it meant I had to be different, and so, I opened my own social work agency and have been working differently ever since. I have tried to capture that difference in this book. I didn’t want to write a “traditional” text book about helping (but that is one of my projects), so I tried to be creative in my approach to storytelling and problem solving. The Righteous Sin is the result. I wanted to share a story about why good intentions are not enough.

What was the inspiration for the main character?

Of course, Sister Georgina is not a real person, but readers should know someone like her. I tried to pull together stereotypical characteristics and then get them to be honest about what is going on by narration (because they would be in denial that they actually had a problem). From there, I want to help those like Sister Georgina by getting them them to unravel their stories and move forward with their lives.

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Why now? Why not now…?! (Laughs.) I started writing this book 8 years ago. It started as a paragraph in an email and then I just kept expanding it. I would pick it up and write a few sentences and then put it down again. This went on for years. My girlfriend, Sophia to whom the book is dedicated, kept pushing me to finish it. For years I ignored her, but her belief in my ability meant she kept on believing in me until I gave in and finished it.

What makes your book unique?

The first version was actually a sex novel. I wanted to make money and thought I would be the next Zane!

But, my girlfriend who is a fundamentalist Christian, read the first version. She pulled me aside and told me that I could do better. She reminded me of my responsibility to help others, and because of her words of wisdom, I went away and rewrote it. I think I have done her proud because it now focuses on the positive.

I try to speak in an authentic voice so people can truly identify with the characters in the novel. The goal is to provide understanding and to move past the pain and struggles – to finding the joy and peace we have been seeking.

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6. Who do you think MUST read this book?

Anyone! But, as I am a Black woman, I identify closely with issues affecting us and believe that Black women should be able to identify with the issues Sister Georgina faces. However, as we go through her various life experiences, I expect most people would be able to find something they can identify with. Sometimes, when we see other people working through their “stuff ” it can help us have insight into our own behaviors and provides suggestions on how we can deal with our “stuff ” and move forward with our lives.

What will the readers/audience gain after reading your book?

I hope readers will read the book and self-awareness, some personal insight, as well as enjoy the story as it is a darn good read!!

This book is about love.... Not the superficial, Hollywood version, but the 100% real Mccoy. The one that makes you feel safe and secure. I think you not just read about it as you make your way through the novel, but you actually feel it coming through the pages at you when you read it.

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