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.

Enrichment

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest. This week so far has been very busy and thrilling. On Monday, I went to a Centennial Honors Forum. At this forum, two alumni of N.C. Central University, now University archivists, shared the history of Durham, NCCU, and former alumni of the university. They also offered insight about Durham during the era of Black Wall Street and Haytide. Two questions I wish I had of asked were: What was it like during that era for African Americans, and why is this era not prevalent in our society today? Before the forum, I never knew how vital an entity NCCU was to the social, financial, and cultural history of Durham. I also learned a lot about Dr. James E. Shepard, and how greatly he and his family sacrificed to create this great institution. One of my goals next week is to visit the Shepard House on campus; it's literally right beside my dorm (Ruffin Hall). There's so much history in this community waiting for me to find it and explore.

On Tuesday, I went to my first choir rehearsal here. The NCCU choir is called Worship and Praise Inspirational Mass Choir (WPI). I first heard the choir at the Senator Edward Kennedy memorial service last Thursday. Their singing spiritually moved me. . .I knew I had to be part of the choir and I'm glad I've joined it. We have weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We have two performances this weekend and I can't wait to perform! I'm tellin' you, this choir is filled with soul, passion, and love.

Tomorrow, I'm going to a meeting on campus about a march/rally to reinstate usury laws by capping interest rates at 10%. The actual rally will occur in Charlotte on October 2. I hope I can be part of this movement that can provide economic relief to many families in need. I'm really serious about getting involved in acts of service in my community and abroad, to improve our society for the prosperity of our futures. Every individual has a personal responsibility to be the change they want to see in the world, and I take that responsibility with pride, joy, and integrity. Well until next time, I'm out. FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.

Making a Difference Through Service

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest. Last weekend, I participated in N.C. Central University's first "Make a Difference Day." Besides the incentive of 15 hours of community service credit, I got to get involved in my new community with my peers. We picked up litter off the road and we planted grass seeds. Some of the dignitaries that came to NCCU were Mayor Bill Bell and N.C. Representative Larry Hall. I served my community dually as a volunteer and as a reporter for The Campus Echo. When I wasn't picking up trash, I was taking pictures and interviewing volunteers. My article about "Make a Difference Day" was published on The Campus Echo website today, http://www.campusecho.com/. This is my third published article!

Last Friday, I was officially accepted into NCCU's Global Studies program. I want to use this concentration to study International Relations/ Peace and Conflict. Tomorrow, I'm going to meet with my advisor to choose some courses for the spring semester and start constructing my global studies pathway. I'm so excited to start studying in this concentration!

Yesterday, I went to a forum called, "U.S. Constitution in the Age of Obama: Conversations Across Generations." The forum was about the relevance of the Constitution during the current presidency of Obama. The seasoned scholars/attorneys that expressed their legal insights, were: Julius Chambers (former NCCU chancellor), Anita Earls (Attorney for the Southern Coalition for Social Justice), and Professor Irving Joyner (professsor at NCCU Law School). The other panelists included a political science professor, and some of NCCU's undergraduate and law students. Some of the topics they discussed were: different interpretations of the Constitution, whether there is still a need for affirmative action, and redistricting in terms of electing minority public officials. It was truly a treat to witness and analyze the opinions of such prestigious scholars and aspiring scholars.

I'm so proud to be a student at NCCU because it offers so many programs to become even more enlightened about society. Tonight, I'm going to a tribute service for Senator Edward Kennedy. This program will recognize and pay homage to his service in the government and society. These programs are really starting to make me think about how I impact society, and how these acts are positively changing my community. I still need to be more active in inspiring teens to not only be involved in the national political arena, but also local/regional political affairs. The service we do now in our youth will only contribute to the prosperity of our lives and our nation when we are adults. . .we are truly the future. Well until next time, I'm out! FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.

Inspiration

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest. Last weekend, I returned home for labor Day weekend. I spent three days: exercising (primarily running), driving, reading, doing a little bit of homework, and a WHOLE lot of eating. All in all, I had a BLAST just spending quality time with my family.

I started reading The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffengger (yes, it's also a movie), and I'm absolutely transfixed by it. I'm only in the beginning of the novel, but the main plot of Henry, the protagonist, time traveling through his life and the life of his wife, Claire, is very intriguing. Hopefully when I go home again, I can can rent the DVD (I love Walmart's Redbox movie rental service).

I think my greatest joy this weekend was driving in my little, white Cavalier. After not driving anywhere for three weeks, you start to miss the freedom of driving. There is no greater joy than to take the wheel and zoom away to wherever you want to go. I love to stick one of my arms out the window and feel the cool breeze of the country air.

Today I joined NCCU's Student Activities Board (SAB). This program aides in creating and advertising various events that occur on campus, such as, football games, pre-dawns, convocations, etc. I'm ready to get started working on various committees in SAB. I'm really looking forward to the football game against NCCU's rival, N.C. A&T University. That game is sure to be hype and full of school pride.

I'm currently working on an article for The Campus Echo about NCCU's "Make a Difference Day." It will take place this Saturday, in which NCCU students and volunteers will perform service projects in the surrounding community (i.e., picking up trash, painting, gardening, etc.,). I'm really excited about doing my part to improve the environment and my community through service. When you have been blessed with so much, you have a DUTY to give back all that you've received through service and charity. My family and I have truly been blessed, and I must continue to share those blessings with others. I'll be sure to fill you guys in on the projects we perform in next week's blog (stay tuned).

Today was a very awe-inspiring day for me because of President Obama's address on education, and the swearing in of Justice Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Students have a personal responsibility to gain an education, not just for themselves and their families, but for the prosperity of our nation. My roommate and I discussed how ridiculous it was that some schools prevented students from watching the address, for fear of President Obama expressing his political ideologies to students. His speech was in no way bias to any race, gender, or political affiliation. This speech was meant to inspire all students across the nation and internationally to strive for academic excellence. . .that message I will carry with me not only this year, but for the rest of my educational career.

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

Adjusting

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

FierceEagleDiva has returned to the nest. Since we last talked, I have been working on an article for The Campus Echo about N.C. Central University being ranked 10th out of 80 national HBCUs by the U.S. News & World Report. Of the top 10 schools, we were the only public institution. In North Carolina, we are the #1 HBCU! It's such a huge accomplishment for our school, especially since this is NCCU's Cenntennial year.

Tomorrow I'm going to get an upperclassmen mentor to further aide me in trasitioning to college life. As fun as college is, sometimes I get overwhelmed with trying to fit in with my peers and embracing all the information that is crucial to my academic success. There are times when I'm doing homework in my dorm, that I miss watching Family Guy and The Boondocks with my brother. Sometimes I reminesce about how much fun my summer was with my friends back home. As much as I miss my friends and my family, I know other freshmen are experiencing the same feelings I am.

This weekend is labor day weekend, so I'm headed back to "Z" town (i.e., Zebulon). I can't wait to go to church and see people I haven't seen in what feels like ages. We're gonna' have a cookout this weekend and I know I'm gonna' throw down on some hot dogs, shrimps, hoagies, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, etc., . . . I could go on for days. As much as I miss home, I love this campus and the rich history that makes it so prestigious.

Last week, the Honors program held a welcome back/kick off dinner. My peers and I recieved so much information about future opprotunities for academic enrichment, such as, studying internationally and nationally. This weekend I spent alot of time pondering about where I'd like to study abroad if I'm blessed with the opportunity. I've pretty much narrowed it down to England and Australia.

England is appealing to me because it's where Nnamdi, my cousin, lives. I have a very close connection to him and I haven't seen him since I was nine. When I was nine, I visited Nigeria to meet my father's side of the family. That trip showed me how much I take simple necessities for granted. I learned to be even more gracious and appreciative for what I do have. London is such a thriving city that has so much history to share. It'd be a great place to further my studies in mass communications and theatre management. I'd love to visit Buckingham Palace and see musicals on the West End.

I'd like to visit Australia because of its rich history and cultural centers. I've always had an interest in anthropology and I'm fascinated by the Aboriginese culture. I love the varied landscapes of Australia. It'd be an awesome experience to stand atop the Sydney Harbor or to see a performance at the Sydney Opera House. I'm always excited to go to the beach! It'd be great to scuba dive along the Great Barrier Reef and maybe learn to surf?

On a completely different wavelength, on Monday, I went to a screening of the movie, Moonwalker, to commemorate Michael Jackson's 51st birthday. Moonwalker chronicled the music videos he made for his Bad album. I still can't believe the world has lost one of it's best entertainers, if not the best. It was fun to just chill with snacks and be transfixed into another dimension by the King of Pop.

No matter where I may get the opportunity to travel and explore, I know it would be a blessing to further enrich my educational process through international studies. Who knows what the future has planned for me. . .it's endless and bountiful though.

Until next time, I'm out! FierceEagleDiva has left the nest.

Year of Opportunity

Greetings Prospective Eagles,

It is such a joy and privilege for me to blog about my freshman year with you as you embark on your last year of high school. It's crazy to think that just a year ago I was facing many of the decisions you are having to face now: Where do I want to go to college? What do I want to major in? How am I going to get through this last year of high school with out getting Senioritis? What criteria do colleges look for in prospective students?, etc., etc., etc. These are the 4 basic principles for success: FOCUS, ORGANIZATION, DETERMINATION, and RESPONSIBILITY. These four principles will not only aid you in graduating from high school, but also in starting college. Before we even get into the mumbo-jumbo, serious topics about the transition from high school to college, let me formally introduce myself.

I am Amarachi Anakaraonye (I know it's a mouth-full) . . .you can just call me FierceEagleDiva, and I am a PROUD soaring Eagle. Some of my hobbies are singing, dancing, acting, musical theatre, exercising, reading, and writing. I am double majoring in theatre and mass communications.These past three weeks at N.C. Central University have been filled with leisure, hard work, opportunity, and all-around FUN! I am apart of the Honors program, and I am a new member of the campus newspaper, The Campus Echo.

My prospective college choices were: Howard University, East Carolina University, and N.C. Central University. Why did I choose N.C. Central University? As cliche as it may sound, when I visited NCCU for a campus tour and I felt the warm, embrace of this college community, my mind was set on going here. When you come to the campus of N.C. Central you are stepping into a family that is very welcoming and multi-cultural. I have already become involved in so many aspects of campus life. I can't wait to delve into further activities and embark on more opportunities.

Before I sign out, I want to offer some advice that will help you successfully journey through your senior year and hopefully come to NCCU. 1. Play hard BUT don't forget to work hard. 2. Be well-rounded. Get involved in extra-curricular activities, BUT not so many to where you are academically or personally struggling. 3. Always strive to be all that you can be. . . .a leader. Even when some of your peers are slacking off from their responsibilities, make sure you fulfill yours (i.e., respect and integrity for yourself). 4. Start applying for scholarships early, and use your school as a resource to inquire about available scholarships. 5. Follow the 4 basic principles for success: FOCUS, ORGANIZATION, DETERMINATION, and RESPECT. 6. Don't forget most of all to have fun. This is your last year of high school and you rule the school! The greatness of this year is up to you. . .your year of opportunity to be the all-around best you can be. . .don't waste it on apathy.

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