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.

Summer Lovin'

I love summer for so many reasons. The days are longer. The weather is awesome to allow for outdoor fun. Warmth of the sun on my skin as I make runs around town give me great pleasure. Life slows down even with how quickly the days escape us during this time of year--definitely a paradox, but it is true.

This past week and weekend happened to be what I would deem the climax of summer. I am right at that midpoint, knowing that my days are numbered before Labor Day comes and goes with the start of another academic year. With Vacation Bible School going on this week, it definitely brought home the fact that summer is here. Then I had the chance to enjoy more amusement park fun with a dynamic outdoor gospel concert with some of my favorites. I slept in today and journeyed to the late service, which was awesome. I came home, napped quickly, and had a lovely outing with a friend.

I have to comment that the older I get the more awkward the dating scene becomes. I am picky, which I know tends to hinder my progress. Not to mention my busy schedule...Of recent, my love life could be described as busily complicated. I hate the term "complicated" and would refuse to ever title myself as falling into the category. However, I seem to attract the type who are not trying to fully commit. And, the ones that do, I tend not to share the same feelings.

Tonight as I post on summer lovin' I also have added a video of the late Marvelettes, singing "Please, Mr. Postman." In an age of texting, facebooking, email, etc., I think I am longing for the lost art of a "love" note or letter, reclaiming the beauty of courtship and showing some affection.

Smile. What would a blog post from me be without have the literal and figurative meanings to come shining through? I've never been one to put all of my business out there, but I will note that I'm appreciating the journey of my summer loves. We'll see where it all goes!

We Are the Warriors

Psalm 127:5 reads, "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

Every dedication ceremony held at my church, my pastor refers to the biblical passage above. He eloquently goes into the analogy given, breaking it down in such a way you just may want to go produce a baby...Okay. Okay. I think I went too far there, but you get my point (I hope)!

I'm always moved by the description and while I do not have children biologically, I am inspired to do and be more for the children I am around regularly.

The verse exposes us to the fact that children are like "arrows in a warrior's hand". This means they are WEAPONS to be used in battle. We, the warriors, have the ability to activate/put to use these arrows--our kids. Of that time, warriors sharpened and prepared the arrows. The more arrows a warrior had in in his quiver, the more prosperous and victorious he was said to be in the midst of a crisis.

I am not sure anyone reading this can or will understand the depth of these words and the phrase. Maybe it cannot be appreciated since a bow and arrow are antiquated items. My biblical surfacing of "gold" is a nugget of truth that makes me excited. I want to pour out this knowledge to anyone who will listen, has kids, teaches or is alive and passes a child daily.

Our generation is one where children no longer dream. They do not know how to set high expectations because this world is more and more squashing the concept. I miss the days of keeping children outside for exploration and fun instead of in front of a television or computer. I can accept the way and life of cell phones and texting; every teenager goes through the stage of hogging the communication lines in their households. I just caution that the family take time to pray together, live together and communicate.

This world is cold and real...Are you helping the children you are around daily? Do you remember the good and bad of your childhood?

We're born to battle (for good) and must be equip for it. As I prepare for another academic year, this will be my theme and message to all who are willing to hear it. I refuse to accept piss poor at the expense of another child's education. I'm reaching a new level professionally--an awakening...It's time to take back our youth to the foolishness and destruction the world has tempted all of us with...Too much of anything can be dangerous.

Boston "T" Party

Just yesterday I was in Boston, Massachusetts, where the air was crisp and cool. By evening, my flight had landed and I walked into the humid 75 degree weather of Virginia. I was happy for home...

I bring back with me a Boston state of mind. While there my colleagues and I had the opportunity to meet with 40 middle schoolers who are in a summer Rites of Passage program under the directorship of two of my good friends. The students were absolutely precious. They value education and understand the importance of learning all you can to get somewhere in life. These are students making As & Bs, yet some of them will never go to college given their home situations. The belief in their homes for some is women need to stay home and take care of the family. For others, it means falling into the same roles as those in the family, which would be blue collar work. We had a powerful session with the students, focusing on the world beyond school emphasizing preparation, determination, and reputation.

In the downtime we had there with our Boston family, my colleagues/friends and I were also able to have thoughtful conversations (as we always do when we come together). From relationships to education, and religion to headliners, the discussions always provide insight and motivation to do and be better.

I bring back the desire to be more in my current roles here...on the job, in my personal life, and (most importantly) for God. Even today, my pastor has just returned from a missions trip in Africa. He reminded us of how much we have and waste--we do too little and are given so much. He asked, "Why, God, was I born here in America and them here in Africa?" With so little, those in Africa are humble, happy and utilize the resources around them. They do SO MUCH with so little. Meanwhile, we worry about the things not going right that are truly trivial.

So, tonight I am excited about my sobering TRIP to Boston. I appreciate the TERRIFIC time given to be with my wonderful friends up in Boston; they're all wonderful and doing great things. My Boston TEACHING Party made remember how much I love to teach, how good I am at what I do, and how much I love touching lives in education.

Here are a few pictures from the trip...

do i do

On this July 4th weekend, I decided to exercise my freedom by letting the hair have some freedom. It's been a minute since I've done the curly look. Anyone who knows me from back in the day will recall that I did the curls for my senior pictures. And, once in a while I'll pop up to work with the curly do...

My stylist was a bit questionable with where I was headed with the request; however, I think she was just elated and relieved that I wasn't bugging her about having my hair cut, which has been a topic of debate between us now for the past six months. As she pulled the rollers from the set out and began playing with my hair, she said, "oooooh kswann, i think i am feeling this sultry look." lol.

Anyway, this may be the summer look & then we'll work in the cut for a fresh look in the fall!

I'm super excited about the free time I have from work over this long weekend. And, I was diligent to get my hind parts up bright and early for corporate prayer at church. Once I retire from the day's blog, I'm going to get me in a little nap and get the day up and poppin'. I have a big week coming up: Boston, baby!!!

Happy July 4th -- have you appreciated your freedom today???



A little music for your listening pleasure as you read!!! ENJOY.