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“You have to shuffle around and get it, if you want it you have to go for it. I’m not done. I’m still warming up.” —Paigion
13
COVER STORY
PAIGION
Moving Forward Confidently
9
24
19
27
Adults Going Back To School
His & Her Fashion @Styledby_Jo
Get To Know Manner
Becoming Your Better Self: GAIN CONFIDENCE
FROM THE EDITOR “If you believe then you can achieve, just look at me. Against all odds, though life is hard, we carry on...” are some words from the late Tupac Shakur who echoed the verse in the 1997 song “Smile”. It can be great words of inspiration to encourage your-self to believe in your own talents and abilities. This is the very theme of this month's issue; believing in “you” through confidence. Television and Radio Personality Paigion Walker speaks this same rhetoric, as she climbs her way to the top. Walker says that she never ceases to have confidence, because it helps to drive through nerves and serves as a tool in keeping a positive attitude. The “Pretty Girl Paigion” is not the only one packing confidence in the success arsenal, but also Singer, Producer and Song-Writer Manner includes it in his carry-on. He states that he not only has the talent to make it, but also the originality to unapologetically be himself; while exuding the full essence of confidence. Along with these stories of motivation, get tips on ways to develop your confidence and learn how to become your best self! One way to “be your best” is to “dress your best”. Fashion Stylist Joyce Winston can be of assistance in guiding you through the closet, as Winston introduces “His & Her” inspired looks.
Chief Editor Cryss Walker Managing Editor Britney Embry Editorial Director Ryan Whaley Photography Michael Vandiver
In traveling through tunnels of aspirations, ambition alone won't be the only trait you need to succeed. Take confidence with you. Poet Samuel Johnson stated, “Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings”, so go with confidence and be great! As you soar with the wind behind your wings, always start with a self-scripted vision. Write your plans, make them clear and get motivated!
Contributing Writers Antoine Moore Bria Brown Eric Thompson Leslie Fields DeMario Browning Mohammed Luwemba
Journalistically yours,
Art Director Tyrone Owens, Jr. Sales Inquiries topflightmag@gmail.com 248-783-6037
Cryss Walker Chief Editor @iamtopflight topflightmag@gmail.com
THE CONFIDENCE ISSUE 7
con·fi·dence (noun) 1. the state of feeling certain about the truth of something. 2. a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.
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Going Back To School Non-Traditional Students Are The New Majority Words By: Ryan Whaley of Ambitious Girls Club
I
t’s that time of year again. Families are wrapping up the summer vacations; Retailers are advertising their back to school specials; Teens are finding the perfect ‘first day of school’ outfit; Teachers are prepping for their return back to the classroom; and college students are gathering their belongings to head out on their own for the first time in their lives; unless they’re non-traditional students. Thirty-eight percent of those enrolled in higher education are over 25-years-old, and 25% are over the age of 30; traditional students are the minority (Bell, 2012). Adults are returning to school at record numbers, many for the advanced opportunities available with a degree, others, to accomplish a goal they set for themselves years ago. Whatever the reason, it’s proven that it takes an exceptional amount of confidence for people to return to school later in life and successfully complete their academic goals.
Make a plan Being a student at any age is difficult, but it can be especially difficult when you have the responsibilities of working full-time and taking care of a family. The most important thing a non-traditional student can do is to make a plan. Do the research. Decide what you want from a degree; advancement in a current career, a new career, or up-to-date skills. Decide how you will pay for the degree; does the company you work for offer tuition reimbursement? Will you have to take out a loan? Can you afford to pay for school out of pocket? Lastly, learn the competitive advantage you will have once you receive your degree; mixed with your experience and the degree you pursue. Will you have the qualifications for the position you want? Will you get payed more? Knowing the answer to these questions can help a non-traditional student choose the right school and the right degree
program.
You’re not alone Although it may be intimidating to return to school as a non-traditional student, over four million other adults are doing it every year- you won’t be alone, and the advantages greatly outweigh the disadvantages in most cases.
Non-traditional student advantages According to the New York Times, Americans with four year college degrees made 98 percent more an hour on average in 2013 than people without a degree. The increased pay isn’t the only reward. Adults who returned to school feel more secure in their positions, and have more opportunities for advancement (Schweitzer, 2014). Non-traditional students generally have a more disciplined attitude than traditional students, making them more focused and serious about receiving the full benefits of their education. Going back to school as a non-traditional student also may make the student a role model for his or her own children and the traditional students in class with them.
she may have an issue retaining the information learned in class making him or her have to spend more time studying the knowledge received in class and in the books. Going back to school at any age and succeeding academically requires a student to be confident. The student has to know his or her own capabilities, know what he or she wants, and what he or she is willing to do to succeed. As a non-traditional student there are many advantages and few disadvantages to returning to school. The key is to create a plan – a strategy for success and to remember that you are not alone. The majority of students pursuing a higher education in the US are considered non-traditional. Obtaining a higher education is linked to more money over one’s lifespan and a more general sense of security. Non-traditional students must go back to school confidently - knowing that you will succeed, you will accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself, and you will make yourself and others proud. •
Disadvantages for the non-traditional student The disadvantages of being a non-traditional student include having to juggle school and existing responsibilities. Another disadvantage for non-traditional students includes having to manage finances. According to Heibutzki (2014), “funding an education can be daunting for older students, who are less likely than younger peers to get financial aid or scholarships”. Lastly, the most significant challenge for non-traditional students is retention (Bell, 2012). Because the non-traditional student generally has more responsibilities than the traditional student, he or 10 IAMTOPFLIGHT.COM
Confidently... P! Words By: Bria Brown
“I
always say to claim big. People tell you to dream big, but I always say if I know if it’s something I want, I can make it happen. I believe that’s what confidence is, it’s just claiming it and believing,” said Paigion Walker a driven TV host and radio personality. Setting high standards for herself at an early age, Paigion always worked to her full potential and exemplified it being the President of her student government in high school. This position opened up an opportunity with W.J.L.B. as a high school reporter.
months of being a part-time radio producer, Paigion was hired as a full time mid-day. Though things are working in her favor in the entertainment industry, this multi-talented personality had dreams of soaring in other careers, “I’d probably be somebody’s background dancer. I like to dance, I danced all the way through college. I’ve danced all my life or basketball. Initially I was like ‘I’m gonna go to the WNBA,’ but I’ve always loved entertainment.” Coming from Detroit, Paigion felt the love and support of her family, friends
me so I felt like ‘Well hey P in the end, as long as you do what you had to do and you handled your business to the best of your abilities,’ there’s nothing else I could ever do.” Now with a national platform, what was she going to do with it? Was she going to capitalize and keep it moving or let this situation break her? Paigion didn’t let that opportunity stop her and jumped right back in doing what she does best. “You have to have your own substance, I walked away from that like ‘Okay, we still riding!’ I got my city on my chest, we riding. I know whatever I do,
“Be yourself, you can’t lose that. That’s probably the best shirt you’ll ever wear. Don’t try to emulate others,” “Their shows were like one minute long so you’d have to smash all your school activities in there.” Her love for entertainment, allowed her to receive an internship during her sophomore year in college with Radio- One Detroit where she continued until she graduated from Western Michigan University. “I just kept being persistent and making sure I stayed on top of them and them knowing I was there. Everyone thought I got paid anyway because I was there all day.” Her persistence led her to being a weekend host. Within three THE CONFIDENCE ISSUE 13
and fans that carried her to being one of the four hosts of BET’s 106 & Park. Although some may say the opportunity was a loss, other’s remained optimistic and looked at it as a stepping stone for her to go further. “Accomplishing your goals… you have to be optimistic, especially coming from a city where people say you don’t make it out and ‘can you really become these things?’. That kept my optimism. I just had so much support. I felt like I did my just do and the best that I could,” she continued, “people were really receptive of
as long as I keep that positive attitude and I humble myself about the situation my supporters are going to ride for me and we will make it through together.” “If I wasn’t confident in myself, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am right now. Believing in myself and knowing I could go the extra mile. With my family and all the supporters, and everybody keeping me motivated helped me as well. I was built for this I’ve been wanting this since I was a kid. I already know that I’m equipped and I’ve worked
“Confidence is believing yourself when no one else does.” —Unknown
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so hard to get it and to do it. In the end, I can’t let myself down because I know this is what I truly want and what I’ve worked for.” With the newly titled TV host being nationally known, supporters began to show their love on and off social media. Surprisingly, Paigion hasn’t had to block any negative users on social media. “When you truly put out good energy, you don’t feed into stuff and you show people you aren’t affected or even comment back to anybody, that may be hating a little bit on the side line. I think when you don’t do that as much, people don’t really attack you. I think it’s good karma,” said Paigion. As far as rumors surfacing, Paigion is known for keeping it open and honest with her supporters. Without knowing, Paigion’s support went international. One of her favorite places she’s visited was Sweden, being allowed to accompany Rihanna on her 777 world tour. “Man, I didn’t know they knew who I was it was so cool. All these kids in Sweden were going crazy and they showed so much love saying, ‘I see you online or I follow you on Instagram and Twitter,’ it was so amazing. Just to see them and to realize how close we really are though we’re so far in distance and where we’re based they’re out there with their Nike’s on and fresh. They were so live!” THE CONFIDENCE ISSUE 15
New heights in your career can cause nervous energy to rise. While some would be a nervous wreck, Paigion deals with her nerves from a different angle. “There’s a million other people, probably more who want
to do exactly what I do, and if given the opportunity they could jump and kill it. You have to look at it like, ‘You’re not the only person that could have been given that shot and you not gonna waste it by choking up’
knowing that, I know how to do whatever it is or what I’m assigned,” said Paigion. She doesn’t take for granted her opportunities and makes that one shot worth it. The best advice she has to knock out nervous vibes is, “Be yourself, you can’t lose
that. That’s probably the best shirt you’ll ever wear. Don’t try to emulate others,” said the personality. While family and friends uplift her, her relationship with Shorty Da Prince, rapper,
TV host and radio personality, has gained respect from those in and out of the industry. “That’s what I can appreciate about my relationship is being so supportive of each other and pushing each other to be better. You want to be with somebody who wants you to be a better you. At times, you can learn something from them. They may be smarter in another area and being real with them and telling them what’s going on with you.” Their support for one another goes beyond
“I can make it happen. I believe that’s what confidence is, it’s just claiming it and believing” social media and they want nothing but the best for each other. “You never want to block somebody’s blessing, you always want them to be a better them and that way they can be better for your relationship. I always want the best for him and I always want him to do well and be the super star that
he is.” Paigion’s support system is her foundation and some aren’t as fortunate as her to have as much love. She encourages those by first saying you have to believe in yourself, “It starts with you. I hate to be cliché, but it does. It’s what you want, it’s what you want to be and what you want for your life. If you were to get that one thing you know you had to work for what would it be? Are you really going to work hard for it? It starts with you and whatever the head of your life is, and what your beliefs are. I’m a firm believer that God is making all this possible for me and I just make sure that I listen,” she continued, “that’s the main thing. It’s already written, sometimes you have to be patient and listen and sit in silence and just ask Him to guide you.” Paigion admits before a lot of things transpired in her career she would always sit, talk to God and thank Him. “The main thing now especially for me getting new opportunities and it’s been really big, but the first thing I did was get on my face and thank Him. Without Him it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Z107.9 with DJ Steph Floss Monday through Friday from 7pm-midnight. Her success doesn’t stop. She’s in the process of having ‘Paigion Merch’ as she likes to call it coming soon. “I got brand new designs, all kinds of dope stuff coming.” Along with new designs, she will be re-launching her website and has more things in store. From the beginning, Paigion was determined and worked hard. Each level was a stepping stone starting as an intern; going to an employee; to being a TV host. Her grind doesn’t stop and she doesn’t dwell in the past. In every experience, she’s remained true to herself and because of it she’s at peace. “You have to shuffle around and get it, if you want it you have to go for it. I’m not done. I’m still warming up.” In the end, everyone should know, it’s more pages to Paigion’s story. She’s just getting started!★
Currently, Paigion moved from Atlanta’s Hot 107.9 and is now the mid-day host on 101.1 The Wiz in Cincinnati, Ohio Monday through Friday from 10am-2pm (with DJ Dimepiece in the mix). She is also the new night host in Cleveland on 16 IAMTOPFLIGHT.COM
“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
THE CONFIDENCE ISSUE 17
WOMAN Dress: Net-A-Porter.com Shoes: Zara.com Bag: MyTheresa.com Earrings: forever21.com Hat: Net-A-Porter.com
MALE Suit: MrPorter.com Shirt: MrPorter.com Fedora Hat: forever21.com Shoes: MrPorter.com Watch: MrPorter.com
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Dress: Macys.com Blazer: Macys.com Shoes: heels.com Clutch: Macys.com Lipstick: Revlon Earrings: charlotterouse.com THE CONFIDENCE ISSUE 19
Belt: H&M Cologne: Bloomingdales.com Shirt: pressdesign2011.hm.com Blazer: pressdesign2011.hm.com Pants: pressdesign2011.hm.com Shoes: pressdesign2011.hm.com Scarf: pressdesign2011.hm.com
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"Self-Confidence: The foundation of all great success and achievement."
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Get To Know Manner
E
very superstar has a story, a beginning, usually untold until stardom; this is the reason why most people equate fame and fortune to glitz and glamour. They never really get an opportunity to experience the star’s rise; they never get the opportunity to see what it takes to make it. Some say it takes hard-work, dedication to your craft, and most of all confidence. In order to make it in this cold world one must be prepared to stand tall on his or her own; to believe in his or her own worth. Confidence is powerful. It exposes you to your full potential; it shines bright, like a light in darkness. Confidence is the most significant characteristic for any rising star. Confidence is something that Manner exudes publicly and intimately. 21-year-old Tyrus Irby (a.k.a. Manner) began his musical journey just three years ago. He comes from a family of talented singers, but hadn’t considered pursuing his professional music career until one day sitting in class, thinking, “This just isn’t it for me.” With the talent already there and close friends and family supporting him, Manner began his journey to stardom. “Manner is the machine,” he says. He sings, writes and produces his own music (and many say he puts on an amazing performance!). “I’m in love with music, I can’t go a day without thinking about it and there is literally nothing else I can do.” The love can be seen in every video post he makes via YouTube and Instagram (@manner_). You can literally feel the passion he has
THE CONFIDENCE ISSUE 25
Words By: Ryan Whaley
while watching his videos, which is why his following is growing daily on social media. When asked what sets him apart from other artists, Manner confidently answered, “I’m me, and I am not trying to be anyone else.” Different from other’s fighting for stardom, blending in to fit into what the industry is today, Manner stands alone, different; his unique talent and appearance cannot go unnoticed, he is what music today is lacking. Manner is working hard to change the way people feel when they listen to music. You could say he’s bringing back love, joy and togetherness. He’s raising the bar for other rising stars, leading with his talent, followed by his passion and his uniqueness. Manner confidently declares he will reach his goals of achieving fortune and fame, but that’s not all he’s after. “I live for the support and I want to be able to support my biggest supporters, my family.” Anything he puts his mind to he accomplishes and declares that his life motto is “Don’t be good be great.” “Be great, like Beyoncé’, the queen; She is everything, you’ve never seen her give half of herself, she give’s 100% every time and that’s exactly what I hope to always give.” Like anyone else eagerly chasing after an ambitious dream, Manner knows that there is one thing he will always have to be willing to do: sacrifice. In order to reach any goal, one must be willing to make major sacrifices. This includes personal time, family time and sometimes, financial stability. In order to get big you have to give big. Give your all, the world will
recognize when you are being 100% uniquely you and the world will love you for that. You must be willing to not only plant the seed but water it daily and be patient as it grows. Manner mentioned that although he’s always had the talent for singing, it wasn’t until he started compromising and sacrificing for others to start recognizing his talent and now he is on his way. Manner will be opening for Detroit’s own superstar Kem in August where he will be sharing original material. His music is a mixture of Pop and R&B and aims to make the audience feel good. One thing’s for sure, Manner’s talent is undeniable. In order to grow and become an international superstar, Manner plans to continue to give his fans what they love, unique videos of him performing on YouTube and Instagram. “This is only the beginning.” Manner has so much more in store for the world, this rising star’s confidence will take him as far as he desires.
“When you're truly comfortable in your own skin, not everyone will like you, but you won't care about it one bit.”
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Becoming Your Better Self:
GAIN CONFIDENCE By: Leslie Fields
THE CONFIDENCE ISSUE 27
H
ave you ever heard these sayings: it all starts with you, how you think; how you decide to perceive life or how you like to see yourself? Perception is everything, but despite what the world thinks of you, you have to have enough self-confidence to ignore negativity. So, do you have enough self-confidence to follow your dreams? Are you
beauty, power and success. It's as if self-confidence has faded and a new era of so called bad (bleeps) and “keeping it real men” are invading brain waves around the world. Alice G. Walker of Forbes.com stated in her article “Where Does Self-Confidence Come From" that, “Self-confidence is influenced by the world around us. This includes our crazy families, supportive friends and employers
hood, if you continue to have the same self-defeating attitude, then it will always reflect in every area if your life. There will always be obstacles, but not having confidence is like being in a toxic relationship with your-self. When you don't have self-confidence it makes every task difficult because you don't believe in yourself. Could you imagine if every politician, athlete, singer, actor or entre-
"Understanding who I am and what I'm about has given me the confidence to trust myself and to not allow outside influences, such as peer pressure or the media to puncture my self-worth or confidence." confident in every aspect of your life? Author E. Cummings once stated, "Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveal the human spirit." Having self-confidence is what helps you get that dream job; what helps you start that new business; and what helps you realize your full potential in life. The internet today bombards you with the constant perception of
(likely falling somewhere between crazy and supportive) not to mention People magazine and Victoria‘s Secret." Now more than ever, people are searching for themselves on social networks and outside sources instead of looking within. Odis Bellinger, Youth Director and Author of, "No Reason Why You Can't Win: A Guide To Manhood" stated, "Without self-confidence, it diminishes them to understand their purpose." From adolescent to adult
preneur lived their entire lives without any bit of self-confidence? So, how does personal confidence play into professional achievement? “Confidence has to do with one's inner perception of his or her ability to fulfill a particular job or role in society"', stated Alice Walton. It's clear that without selfconfidence, success can be difficult to obtain but there's always ways to gain self-confidence. Odis Bellinger gave five helpful tips on how be 28 IAMTOPFLIGHT.COM
confident: 1- To believe there is a higher power 2- Recognize your purpose 3- Know your worth 4- Find your passion in life 5- Realize you add value to the world In order to become more confident you have to accept yourself first and maybe even ‘fake it till you make it’. Sources say it is also good to consistently speak words of encouragement to yourself (you might unlock a part inside that was waiting to burst out!). Learn to be fearless and not let the world tell you who you are; recognize who you are on your own. Local Photographer and Film Maker Tap People said, "Understanding who I am and what I'm about has given me the confidence to trust myself and to not allow outside influences, such as peer pressure or the media to puncture my self-worth or confidence." Dr. Gayle R. Bessenof reports in her psychcentral. com article “Media Can Damage Self Esteem” that "Women who already have low opinions of their physical appearance THE CONFIDENCE ISSUE 29
are at an even greater risk for negative effects from media images." Women as well as men are affected by the media when it comes to self-confidence. By learning to have confidence when you speak, when you walk or when an obstacle is in your way, you are also learning how to have more reassurance
"Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveal the human spirit." within yourself versus having to find someone else to do that for you. Like many successful individuals such as Steve Jobs, who was given up for adoption and worked hard to start his own business, he never gave up on his dreams
or believing in himself. On June 12, 2005 at Stanford University’s Commencement, Steve Jobs stated in his speech, "Our time is limited, so don't waste it living like someone leaked life. Don't be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others opinions drown out your own inner voice, and most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." So, what side of the spectrum are you on? Is it the brighter “self-confident end” or the darker, “lacking selfconfidence” side and too afraid to make your next move?
Watch motivating video interviews about successful people doing what they love or catch up on the latest stories at iamtopflight.com
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