I want start by apologizing to all of my dedicated readers. It has been a while since I have written however, “Life has finally begun to reveal itself to me.”
I want to let you know exactly what I mean by that phrase. After I graduated it took a while for me to realize that I had done it. I actually finished thirteen years of schooling and it was now time for me to leave the nest. After endless scholarship programs and graduation gifts I noticed that everyone kept giving me the same advice for when I go off to college... “Stay focuses, be careful and keep God first.”
As the summer continues to draw to an end, I am constantly asking myself, can I actually do it? Am I ready for the real world, to make decisions on my own, pay some bills, have a job, set me own curfew, and continue to stay focused? Yet, I have no choice. Everyday I ride around West Tampa, Belmont Heights, Robles Park, Central Park, Nucio and I look at the living conditions of my fellow African Americans. I note the children innocently playing in the middle of the projects, the young boys harboring around the street corners, the Old G’s sitting out side of the barber shops and car washes, young girls walking down the streets pushing babies in strollers, drug dealers glamorizing violence riding in their 24 in. chrome Chevy with DVD players and sound systems booming! I have to make a difference. I vow to be a woman of respect, dignity, pride, faith, education, success and happiness. Am I ashamed of where I come from? Of course not, but I will not settle and live a lifestyle dictated by government monies, child support and the stereotypical ideals of society. It is time for me to leave and broaden my horizons. However, I will never forget my roots.
As I embark upon my new endeavors, I am excited to know that I will be on the path of making my dreams a reality. Although I have been told it won’t be easy all the time, I have matured to a point where I no longer seek to take the easy route and I’m ready for the challenges of life. So to all of the graduates of 2006 and those pursuing their life’s dreams, I want to remind you all to remember where you come from and give back so that others may have an equal opportunity to succeed. Generations before us suffered, fought and died and now it is time for us to live up to their expectations. So, through faith in God and self discipline I know that we can make it!
Posted By: Diva J
Monday, June 26th 2006 at 5:11PM
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