Gator Homecoming

This is my first homecoming as a Florida Gator! I'm so excited about the game. Class was canceled today for the festivities. I've been an avid Gator Football fan almost my entire life, but never experienced the homecoming spirit first hand. There are so many people in town, and I'm positive that my 5th ranked Gators will do awesome!

GOOD LUCK GATORS!!!

Two of my Lovely Lambda Psi Sorors are on the Black Student Union (BSU) Homecoming Court. I am pleased to announce Carolyn Martin as Queen and Ashley Gordon as Princess. They'll represent the University of Florida, BSU, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. well. Good luck with the parade.

In addition, Vanessa Douyon is competing to be University of Florida Homecoming Queen. If she is successful, she'll be only the third Black woman to accomplish such a feat in University history. I wish her well, as she is an extremely articulate, talented, and empowering person. Vanessa has an impressive resume and is currently serving as Miss Black & Gold for the Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. & The Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters. In addition, Vanessa is a proud member of the Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

*UPDATE* Vanessa has won! Congratulations!!!

Inspired

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I encourage all women to do monthly self-breast exams and all men to inform the women you love. I can relate to both sides of the end result of the battle against breast cancer. I am proud to say that my mother is approaching 3 years of being cancer free! Thank you God:) I love her so much and am so glad she was able to pull through. It was only with the grace of God that she made it, because there were some somber days. My Auntie Jackie's battle, however, didn't turn out the same way. Her battle is over now, but she is no longer physically with us. I remember the exact day she passed and how my heart fell straight through my chest. After working the early morning shift at Sam's Club, I looked at my phone on my way clocking out and saw that I had 10 missed calls. This was quite unusual and I immediately knew something was wrong. As I slowly opened my phone and nervously viewed my missed calls, I had several calls from one of my Aunts who doesn't normally call me. Holding my breath, I dialed her number. The news I heard when she began to talk was piercing to my spirit. She informed me that my Aunt had slept away in the early morning hours. Her passing didn't take me by surprise, because this was her second bought with breast cancer. The first time she underwent intensive chemo and radiation that ultimately led to her second occurrence. As a registered nurse, she thought chemo and radiation was the best option for her case. Upon her second bought, she had begun to regret her initial decision to undergo the intensive treatment. So she thought she would just eliminate the risk of the cancer returning for a third time and underwent a mastectomy. However, the mastectomy didn't get what was lurking behind---cancerous fluid around her lungs. There was nothing the doctors could do.

My Aunt spent her entire life unselfishly giving to others. She helped raise me along with her 5 other children. She had escaped an unhealthy marriage and was such an inspiration to all who knew her. I cried so hard when she left this physical world but in my heart I knew she was rejoicing with the angels in heaven. She didn't have to suffer and her storm was over. She still lives on in the lives of all those she touched. She helped my mom get through her battle, but we couldn't help her get through hers. God wanted his Angel back and I'm glad to know she's resting in His arms.

I remember my Aunt and think of her courage. I look at my mom and see her faith and endurance. I think of them and am inspired. Inspired to live. Inspired to persevere.

Hopefully you've been inspired to check your breast health or tell someone you love about monthly check-ups. It's easy and it could save your life! Don't forget your yearly mammograms!

Here is a link to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. They have a wealth of information waiting on you.

Be informed. Be sure. Check monthly. Help Find the Cure!

Photo courtesy of deviantART by allentattoo

Rejoice in the Lord always, for He is good!

The Family, Inc.

There's another group of people in my life that mean a lot to me. We are a close group of friends... so close that we call ourselves The Family. These people have truly made my collegiate experience enjoyable. Members of The Family attend FAMU, UF, and FSU but we don't let our schools divide our bond. My friends have sparked spontaneity, enthusiasm, thrill, zest, and pure energy with non-stop comedy into my life. To The Family, this post is dedicated to you! We have struggled together and it has made us stronger.

I made this montage on One True Media. My professor recommended it on her blog. It's a great site!

Hope you enjoy the show!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Vote: Because You Can

Alright guys! Today is the first day of early voting in the state of Florida! This has been the most exciting election of my time and even the country (from what I'm told by some). It definitely has huge historical implications and I'm eager to see the results. Personally, I'm a little tired of all the attacks and mud-slinging. Issues are what's important. Well before I continue, I should say that I am a little biased when it comes to this topic. I honestly believe my candidate is the best choice, so I won't try to write this post as if I don't have a favorite. I have researched the issues to make sure that I'm not basing my decision off of hype or who someone else tells me to vote for. I only have class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so I spend quite a bit of time watching the news, staying abreast on the important issues, reading updates, and visiting sites. I have a fellowship with the University that doesn't allow me to have another job that requires me to work more than 10 hours a week. So, that equals a lot of time on my hands (when I'm not doing homework). We'll talk about that later though. My point is, I really feel like my choice in candidates is a very informed choice.

As an educator, I was a little offended by something one of the candidates said in the last debate. My mind was already decided before the debate, but this was the icing on the cake for me. While I wholeheartedly support the troops, I was baffled that John McCain supports the idea that troops who want to be teachers should be exempt from passing teacher certification exams. I mean I just don't see the logic. Yes, fighting for the safety of our country is a brave task and very honorable. However, how does that equate to being qualified as a teacher? It kind of makes me feel like my degree doesn't necessarily qualify me to be a teacher. I'm just curious. Would these same people also be exempt from passing state bar exams, or medical licensing exams, the postal workers exam, or even the plumbing licensure exam that "Joe the Plumber" didn't take? I'm not angry. Just a little concerned and wondering when teachers will finally be given the respect we deserve? Again, nothing against the troops. I love and appreciate all they do for our country and feel forever indebted to them. However, I'm more than sure that I couldn't just jump on the battlefield without passing some sort of certification exam. Just some thoughts I have:)

Please exercise your right to vote. A voteless people is a hopeless people. Without a vote, you have no voice. Whoever you feel is the best candidate, go for it! If you're still undecided, I'll help you out :)

Change in 08
Obama/Biden

My Sorors

So a big part of my life are my Sorors (sorority sisters). I am a member of the greatest and most dynamic sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On January 13, 1913 at Howard University, 22 illustrious women founded an organization committed to scholarship, service, and sisterhood. In March of 1913, just months after its founding, members of Delta Sigma Theta marched as the only black organization to participate in the Women's Suffrage March. I became a member of this great sisterhood on March 3, 2007 through the Real Beta Alpha Chapter at FAMU with 55 other Divas. Together, we are T.I.T.E. 56. Our sisterly bond is undeniable and I know we'll always be there for each other. We just saw one of our linesisters leave for battle in Iraq for the second time. We miss her so much and can't wait until she comes back to us safely.

Membership goes beyond the college years and is a lifetime commitment. Therefore, when I graduated and relocated to Gainesville, I joined the Gainesville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Because I am closer in age with my undergrad Sorors, I also love fellowshipping with the Lambda Psi Chapter at the University of Florida. I can honestly say that I have found true sisterhood and made lasting friendships that extended beyond my undergraduate collegiate years. These women help me get through:)

Here is a video that I am featured in that tells a little bit more about my organization and the Beta Alpha chapter. It's a parody of MTV Cribs and I'm the one with the jacket on that's showing the house. Hope you enjoy!

Welcome

Greetings everyone! This is my first blog and I'm truly excited! I decided to dedicate it to my current life status. On April 27, 2008, I graduated summa cum laude from one of the greatest institutions of higher learning in the world. I received my bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University on the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee, Florida. My undergraduate experience was truly amazing and I would not change it for the world. Attending an HBCU (historically black college and university) really allowed me to appreciate my heritage and helped me strive to become a better person; knowing that mediocrity as a standard is unacceptable. I have always known that graduate school was a must for me. If I know that I can attain higher, I go for it! I am now more than proud to say that I am a graduate student at the University of Florida! Never did I imagine the struggles I would have to face in order to get here. They are in no way insurmountable, but they have been added to by the current economic state of our country. So, this is the place where I will share my story...life after college graduation---Grad School:)