GRATEFUL

I was unable to put words to my emotion until I sat and tuned in to Black in America part 2.

FACT: Black students are 12% less likely to enter college than white students.

This evening my heart was set on going to Bible Study. In fact, there was disappointment that I was unable to be there and see a friend of mine get baptized. Instead, a telephone call from one of my mentees yesterday interupted my normal Wednesday worshipping experience. My mentee is one of the nation's small population of Black students to receive a way out of her current situation and is an entering freshman to one of the most prestigious colleges in the world. Her procrastination and anxiety hindered her from knowing how to register for classes, and she called seeking advice and assistance.

I picked her up this evening and we journeyed to one of the local libraries where we went through the course catalog and chose classes. I then took her and her sister across town to get money wired somewhere per their mom's request. They said they'd take the bus back home; the family has no personal transportation.

Few know that this young lady works hard to make ends meet at home. She is even going to continue working when classes begin for the fall.

I am grateful. I am grateful that this young lady came into my life, and I hers. I am grateful that she has maintained a desire to work hard despite the set-backs and challenges she has had to face. Her invisibility and characteristics that fit the stereotype have not held her back, stopped her, or made her give excuses.

Tonight she recharges me. I am fueled once more to touch as many lives as possible, not taking my place in this world for granted.

I do not know why I was born in America and not Africa. I cannot explain why I was born black and not some other ethnicity. I do not need to adopt or exhibit the lifestyles of majority of society to have culture or be validated. I love and embrace my blackness, but I'm also a love of humanity, common sense, and people trying to make positive change.

Leadership. I am a leader. I am influential. I am here to remind others that they have plenty to give to this world.