Georgia State University BSW 2010

*In my Usher voice* … OOHHH MYY GOOODDD!!!  Fina-F*ckin-Ly!!!  This day could have never come faster and I never realized how much I needed to celebrate this day with my loved ones.  I honestly was not even planning to attend the ceremony because I modestly like to celebrate when it comes to myself.  Thanks to one of my BFF, @urbansocial, who chewed me out (“If you don’t go to your graduation, I am going to take your foot and shove it up your ass and then make you eat them.”) I bought my cap and gown at the last minute and was able to make it happen.

Graduating from college was something that I always envisioned happening. I graduated early from high school and went straight in to get a jump on my academic career.  I wanted to follow this socialized plan of having a degree no later than 22 years old… but that plan was short lived when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter.  I never quit going to school, but moving around and switching schools pro-longed everything.  I took a whole year of boring, unimportant courses only to find out that they would only transfer as electives.  Then, of course, as things didn’t work out in one area of my life, I came back to ATL with my rugrat and took on another role of “single mom”.  I have been momming, working, schooling, paying my own bills, and trying to be the best that I can be towards my family and friends.  A lot of sacrifice has gone into this degree, so it means much more to me than a piece of paper or a job that aligns with my career plans.  I am SO thankful for the support from my family and true friends that have been there to keep me focused, strong, and to help pull me through this fight.  I truly needed this day to celebrate YOU.  Thank you, you all know who you are.

I also need to thank COMMON for “BE” because his lyric is my all time favorite inspiration:

“Never looking back or too far infront of me, the present is a gift and I just wanna be.”

This was a lyric that kept me strong and grounded.  I learned the importance of just BEing and accepting yourself for who you are and what lemons your life brings you.  You have to keep rolling with the punches because sometimes it is those very down times that you need to grow and appreciate the mastery of your craft.  I want to encourage all women to secure themselves however they can in this crazy world, because you can NOT depend on anyone but yourself.  I especially want to encourage women who are trying to raise children to believe in themselves, their sacrifice, and to “strap up for war”.  You will find that your children can be your rock and your motivation to achieve goals, whatever those goals may be.  Goodluck!