"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
As I celebrate my 30th birthday, the words of Romans 8:28 resonate more loudly than ever. As I reflect on my accomplishments, I can't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude. My entire life, from the beginning to this very moment have been a testament to stepping out on faith. I graduated from high school early - a year before most - not knowing what the future would hold. Holding steadfast to the belief that hard work will get you far, I graduated from college at 20. In fact, it was while working in Iona College's admissions office that I found out you could take 18 credits, which for me spelled - altogether now - ELECTIVES! I was starting to embody a true Renaissance woman. I always find myself telling my students at NYU, "It's not about a lack of want to, it's about a lack of know how."
As a college senior in 2006, I had a radio show, produced television shows, was involved in student government. I wanted to get to a place where, when the time came to intern, no one could tell me "no." To compete in the New York environment, I asked myself "What kind of life do you want to live? And more importantly, what does it take to get there?"
Everyone always asked how I balanced it all - working three jobs while staying involved at school. I come from a hard working family. All along my family tree you'll find exceptional leaves: my grandparents graduates of Eastern Michigan University and Howard University (H U you know); my grandmother, the scholar; my grandfather, a Black man from Augusta, Georgia who held couture fashion shows in Paris well into his sixties. Education and the people who modeled it have been paramount. My father wore a suit everyday to work, so that's exactly what I did at my ABC internship. I handed out my my thick, marbled, pink resume at a job fair, clad in a three-piece pinstripe suit. Was I nervous? Of course. But I made it work and I made lifelong friends in the process.
As I ring in this knew year of life, I'm renewing my commitment to continuing the profession I love. It's storytelling that gets me up in the morning. So my advice to you on this day is this: Know what you're good at and what you enjoy - where that path meets is exactly where you're supposed to be.
