A Whirlwind of Happiness

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has FINALLY returned to the nest and life has been a WHIRLWIND since we last talked! I've been back in school for about a week now since my return from Miami, Florida for the National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP). It still feels a little weird to be back and I REALLY miss Miami. . .it is soooooo beautiful. As a member of the FIRST debate team NC Central University has EVER sent to it, we placed second out of eight other schools!. . .an all female team of three freshmen and one sophomore, no debate coach, and very little knowledge about the actual structure of the debate. . .we were TRULY the great debaters. Of the three debate topics, our team debated the affirmative and negative perspectives of illegal immigration and exploration beyond the mesosphere. In the first round of the debate, we beat the host institution of Florida Memorial University. In the second round, we beat Miles College (Alabama), and we were beaten by ONE POINT by Benedict College (South Carolina). All of the debate teams were highly professional, eloquent, persuasive, and all around inspiring. I must take this writing space to give recognition to my sisters on the debate team: Tynesha Chandler, Lauren Pinckney, and Desmera Gatewood. . ."we faked it till we made it girls."

The NAAAHP was such an enriching experience that truly affirmed my aspirations to be an attorney. I met so many wonderful honors students and local Floridians that further enhanced my outlook on various cultural perspectives. I can wholeheartedly say that the NAAAHP was one of the BEST experiences of my life and I thank God for blessing me with that opportunity. The NAAAHP will be hosted in Greensboro next year, and I would be more than willing, able, and enthusiastic to participate in it again. . .experiences like this you never forget.

I'm currently in the process of training to be a residential assistant (i.e., an "RA"). Yesterday, prospective RA's participated in a training session that involved current RA's performing mock scenarios of events/instances they've encountered. Today, we had one-on-one interviews with the RA committee. This has been a fun, enlightening, and all around CRAZY experience.

Guess I have to get back to my final exam studies. . .well until next time, I'm out. Have a happy Thanksgiving. FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.

Travel, Honor, & Activism

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest. Let me start off by saying that homecoming week was an ABSOLUTE BLAST. . .a whirlwind of fun and many fond memories. Next Wednesday, I am traveling to Miami with NCCU's honors program to participate in the National Association of African American Honors Programs Conference (NAAAHP). I am honored to be a member of the first debate team NCCU has sent to the NAAAHP. Some of the topics we'll be discussing are: immigration, universal health care, and space exploration beyond the mesosphere. While I'm really excited, I'm also kind of nervous. . .but with the support of my debate team, my fellow Honors peers, and my university, I know we'll be FABULOUS.

Today, I was a discussion leader for a panel discussion about youth culture and community activism. The panelists included: Dasan Ahanu, Aidil Collins, Deydreana Freeman, Antwon Freeman, and Pierce Freelon. Dasan Ahanu is a poet currently working at St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC as a guest artist. Aidil Collins works for YES (Youth Empowered Solutions) in their underage drinking and teen tobacco prevention programs. Deydreana and Antwon Freeman created the Golden Belt Historian District, which restores homes in this district of Durham. Pierce Freelon is the creator of Blackademics, an online blog/discussion site where young African Americans can discuss issues that impact our community. It was truly an honor and privilege to lead this discussion, and witness the impact of these activists as they address the needs of their communities. I urge you all to further research their work and programs. . .be inspired and make a difference in your own communities.

This panel discussion occurred in my Freshmen Honors Seminar class. We are currently working on final projects that deal with identifying and addressing issues in our own communities. My program, Flaws & All- Empowering Through Education, addresses the need for female solidarity in the African American community, issues with body image, and personal fitness. Many women's perceptions about themselves are flawed due to the media, and the over glamorization of unrealistic ideals of beauty. This program is targeted to African American girls, grades sixth through eighth, from underprivileged backgrounds. This program may become a reality someday. . .one of my goals in life is to create a non-profit organization.

Well until next time, I'm out. FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.

HOMECOMING!!!

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest and I have a lot of information to share with you. Homecoming week has been an absolute BLAST!!!

My homecoming week kicked off Sunday with the coronation of NCCU's royal court. On Monday, I attended choir Ball. Choir Ball spoofed Bobby Jone's Sunday program and 106 & Park on BET. Student performers performed the popular songs of various recording artists . . .NCCU has sooooo many talented performers! Choir Ball featured the songs of Beyonce, Mary Mary, Kanye West, Chrisette Michele, Kanye West, and even a tribute to Michael Jaackson. My peers and I laughed and danced with joy as we sang with the performers.

On Tuesday, I performed with WPI at the Tye Tribbett lyceum event. . .OMG, we opened for Tye Tribbett! The lyceum concert was CRAZY FUN! It is always enriching to worship and praise God with your peers, in an atmosphere filled with devotion, love, and spiritual fervor. Tye Tribbett and the Greater Anointing are full of energy and they demand audience attention and participation with their infectious charisma. It's been a while since I've had that much fun. I am very thrilled to know that this was the FIRST TIME a gospel concert sold out at NCCU. The gym was PACKED and the spirit of the lord was truly moving through it.

On Friday, I'll be attending the step show and writing an article about it for the Campus Echo . . .I AM SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED to be covering this event!!! Saturday is the Homecoming game and I'll be attending the dance show. I can't wait to see the various dance groups break it down on the dance floor.

On Sunday, WPI is having its anniversary concert. We have been working on material for this concert for about a month and a half, and we are READY to perform! This week is surely shaping itself to be a week of good memories and I have sooooo many more memories still to make. . .I can't wait to embark on making them! Well until next time, I'm out. FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.

Resettling

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest. I'm just settling back into Ruffin after a very relaxing fall break. Before the break, I was sooooo stressed out. . .why do instructors always have so many assignments due before a break? I took the weekend and Monday to just hang out with friends, family, and just RELAX. I also caught up and got ahead with homework.

I recently got my NCCU mentor. Her name is Mrs. Elder-Albritton and she works with the University College. I'm going to formally meet her tomorrow, and we're going to have lunch. I'm anxious to meet her and work with her this year, as I continue to adjust to life at NCCU.

The campus is thriving with Homecoming fervor. Decorations colored maroon and grey are everywhere and everyone is buzzing about upcoming events. . .it's the CENTENNIAL YEAR! On Friday, I'm going to the comedy show, and it'll feature Kevin Hart, Benji Brown, and Corey Holcomb. Most of the Homecoming events will occur next week. I am sooooooo excited to attend most of these events, and further see what has made and makes NCCU such a prestigious university. It is such an honor to be the 100th class of this flourishing university. I guess I better go ahead and strap on my seat belt, because next week is going to be a roller coaster ride of excitement and memories. Well until next time, I'm out. FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.

Enlightened

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest. This week has been a whirlwind of intellectual enlightenment for me. I just had lunch with a friend and she kept chuckling about how much I used the word "enlightened" in our conversation. Well, "enlightened" is the only word I can say to explain how enriching this week has been for me.

On Monday, I attended my first book club meeting at NCCU. We discussed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, by Steve Harvey. In this novel, Harvey offers information about the male psyche pertaining to relationships. We had a ball discussing/debating the various topics of this novel, such as: cheating, female/male relationship standards and needs, and honesty. This novel is definitely a must read for all girls to find some understanding about the simple at yet intricate psyche of males. I also think that males should read this to get insight about the needs and concerns of women in relationships.

On Tuesday, I was blessed with the opportunity, along with some of my peers from the Honors program, to have a luncheon with Dr. Patricia Russell-McCloud. At the luncheon, we got to ask her questions about her novel, A is for Attitude. That night, she did a school-wide lyceum. Let me just say that she brought the house down! Between the luncheon and the lyceum, I feel so spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally enriched. The premise behind her lyceum speech was to express the power and importance of education in our highly technological and internationally competitive society. Some statements she made in her novel, at the luncheon, and at the lyceum that touched me most (her wisdom and advice is profound) were:

1. "When life gets hard, work harder"

2. "The future started yesterday, and you're already running late"

3. "Love doesn't make the world go around, but it makes the ride worth while"

4. "It's better to have an education and not need it, than to need an education and not have one"

Dr. Russell-McCloud was an attorney, and she is now an internationally acclaimed author and orator. Her presence yesterday inspired and empowered me in my future of endless possibilities. I would recommend A is for Attitude for everyone, because "your attitude affects your altitude" in life. I will NEVER forget the opportunity and blessing I had yesterday in speaking and meeting with Dr. Russell-McCloud. Her advice will live with me for the rest of my life.

Tonight, I'm going to a lecture featuring Mr. Casey Lartigue, Jr. This lecture will discuss whether the government is a friend or foe of minorities. I am sure that this lecture will even further enlighten and enrich my mind, heart, and soul. Well until next time, I'm out. FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.

JOY

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest. Unlike most weeks, I'm not that busy, BUT I still have some upcoming events to share with you.

Tomorrow, I'm going to see "Ailey 2" with NCCU's honors program, at the Carolina Theatre. As a dancer, I'm thrilled to see this show because the visual aesthetics of this company are renowned internationally. For honors students, we have a semesterly project that we must do for hours credit. My honors project is about African American dance and its effects on America's artistic culture and various dance forms. "Ailey 2" will definitely give me further insight on my topic.

On Friday, NCCU's Worship and Praise Inspirational Mass Choir (WPI) will perform at a church in Raleigh. It'll be nice to go back to one of my two hometowns (i.e., Zebulon and Raleigh), and worship/minister in the choir.

This Saturday, I'm going to get my LSAT score and participate in a strategy session. This test is a mental marathon, because you have to stay focused to analyze the scholarly rhetoric that's asked of you. I'm glad I took the LSAT and I will continue to take it each semester, so I'll truly be prepared for the actual LSAT. "PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT."

I almost forgot to tell you about the NCCU vs A and T football game. . .we lost BUT we only lost by ONE point in a double overtime. Overall though, I had a BLAST cheering on the team and hanging out with my peers during the game and tailgating. I don't know much about football, but I do know NCCU's football players did a great job. We showed up and showed out at the Aggie Stadium. Our heads were held high with pride as we left A and T and returned to the great NCCU! Well until next time, I'm out. FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.

Finding My Voice

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest and man, do I have A LOT of information to share. Last Saturday, I performed in my first performance with N.C. Central University's gospel choir, Worship and Praise Inspirational Mass Choir (WPI). We performed at a local church in downtown Durham for a midnight musical. I had such a good time singing, praising, and worshiping. The musical included other local gospel groups and the UNC-CH gospel choir. From now until November 1st, we will be working tirelessly in rehearsal to prepare for NCCU's Anniversary program. . .I am sooooooo excited!

On Friday, I am volunteering for NCCU's Breast Cancer Awareness Fair. This fair is in association with NCCU's Women's Center. At the fair, women will be able to receive free mammogram screenings, and pamphlets on breast cancer/ prevention. . .did I mention we'll be serving pink lemonade and pink cookies? Breast cancer is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, due to how it has devastated the lives of many women AND men. I've also been inspired by how those affected with it have fought against it with bravery, courage, and valor. I have a DUTY as a woman, daughter, sister, and as an overall human bring to spread awareness about this disease and prevention for it. Hopefully, this campaign will be able to save lives by informing women about the need to get mammograms, and not being afraid of the prospect of having it. If you are infected with breast cancer the sooner you know about it, the sooner you can get treatment.

On Saturday, I'm taking a practice LSAT exam. This exam is in association with the Princeton Review, and it includes a strategy session when I get my test results next week. After I get my bachelor's degree, I want to go to law school and make a legal/social impact in human rights/international affairs. . .yes, I'd LOVE to work for the United Nations. These practice exams are offered every semester. I'm nervous about taking it because I don't know what to expect. By taking this exam each semester, I'll get more comfortable with it and I'll know what to expect when I take the actual LSAT.

After the LSAT, I'm going to the NCCU vs. NC A and T football game. I've been looking forward to this game all semester. Best believe NCCU is gonna' show up and show out. Well until next time, I'm out! FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.