Written on 12/16/16
It has almost been a year since my last post, and so much has changed. There has been so much growth in my life. I just want to express how overwhelmingly proud I am of graduating from college this semester. I just graduated from THE best HBCU in the nation! I spent the last 3 1/2 years having fun, gaining new experiences, and stressing over school, money, and everything else under the sun. I just cannot believe that I finished undergrad! I actually have to start adulting in a few months. I am excited but, of course, nervous and anxious for the unknown.
When I first started college as a freshman, I was so naive. I hadn’t really experienced life without the control of my parents. But over the course of these past few years, I feel like I matured 10 years. I know so much more about myself, my culture, how to deal and interact with other people. My relationships and friendships have evolved immensely. I moved out of my parents house– I started living! I really blossomed in college. I allowed myself to take chances, to make mistakes, and most of all to learn. I’m not that same little girl in high school who was afraid all the time. I have goals and dreams that I WILL accomplish. I’ve grown to be a woman who won’t let anybody stop her. I have learned to put my work in, while also having faith that God will guide me to where I need to be.
I learned that it is okay to say “I need help”, and I’ve had to say that a few times. I realized that I just want to do everything my heart desires, but sometimes I have to be able to take a step back and rest. I’ve had a few burnouts during college, 50 million mental breakdowns, and days and weeks where I just couldn’t get out of bed. But baby despite it all I made it!
I accomplished everything I wanted to do during my time in college. I was a cheerleader, I joined a few organizations, I joined a sorority, I got my own apartment, I coached, I partied, I had fun. I can truly say that I left with no regrets. I took every opportunity that came my way, despite my hesitations. I made it though my happiness journey and found pure joy and bliss. I made it though my fearless journey and was able to take risks despite my fears and anxiety. Now it’s time for the next journey. I don’t know what it is, but it will definitely have something to do with me moving from my hometown and starting my “adult” life.
I am taking life one step at a time, thanking God every step of the way. Ya girl is off to do big thangsssss!
-Ray
Learning as I Grow 