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.