This is a message to my Spelman sisters in hopes that they will absorb these five simple words of wisdom that will help them survive life at Spelman College and beyond. Enjoy!
1. Don’t Stop.
A current theme in college is sometimes losing the energy to go on. Whether it be a lack of funds or just coming to the realization that college may not be for you, we all approach that moment in time where we want to quit and walk away. A big thing that students are taught at colleges, not just at Spelman College, is that we must be willing to hurdle obstacles that jump in our way. It is so important to remember that the Mayans weren’t built in a day and with building comes struggle, apprehension, and always and innate urge to quit. Don’t. A HUGE lesson my mom told me is that our urge to quit spawns from the fear of the unknown and that it in order to get rid of that fear we must approach it head own. So do it. Find solutions for financial problems; study for that class you’re currently struggling in; confide in someone. Nine chances out of ten you have that one friend that gives you enough encouragement to want to keep in the race and building on your future.
2. Fear is inevitable.
My first college fear was fearing that I wouldn’t get into college. That goes without saying that I did have the grades for it, however, I feared that regardless of all that I still would be another applicant that didn’t just make the cut. However, I did. Ladies, we passed our first hurdle. We MADE IT! Now, that doesn’t mean that our fear stops because it doesn’t. In fact, it multiplies. We feared our freshman classes, we feared out first official night away from our parents, and we’re going to fear our future. See colleges put us in these positions to approach things we otherwise avoided while being safely protected in our parents nest. Our BIGGEST fear is that our efforts at college will not amount to anything in the professional world. But, Ladies we’re in a great place to not have to worry. Spelman is a no fear zone where everyone that enters and leaves these gates comes and goes with excellence and accomplishments on their backs. Fear is inevitable however we can always approach it prepared.
3. Choose Change.
It’s almost ingrained in your mind to sing “It’s our choice, and we choose to change the world…” when you see this **wink wink** I know it, because I just did. The big question is, what impact do you want to have on the world? Do you see yourself two weeks, months or years from now fighting for social justice, environmental justice or whatever your niche is? Good, I got you thinking. A big thing to remember as a Spelmanite is to choose to take part in change. No matter the magnitude, large or small, be willing to open your mouth and arms to change. The change could be something as simple as mentoring a young girl and teaching her how to be the best complete her while disregarding the negative portrayals of her in the world.
4. Don’t doubt yourself.
I’m going to keep it simple. Never, underestimate who you are. Understand your faults as well as your strengths and using you strengths annihilate your faults. You are your biggest critique, however, you are also your biggest fan. Be proud of what you do and never let small mistakes stop you from being the best you (insert Spelman hand).
5. Sisterhood can last a lifetime.
Finally, the biggest thing to remember is that Spelman creates a sisterhood. This sisterhood holds women that want you to excel. In fact, I have never met women so adamant to see success in other black women. Your roommate or classmate has the capabilities of being a new member of your family. Despite much belief, however, a sisterhood can start with one sister. That one sister can be your sister for a lifetime and she’s the one that keeps you pushing and going forward. She chants, “Don’t quit, fear is good, change something, do something and NEVER doubt how great you are.” SISTERHOOD is Spelman.
