Most seniors are spending their time preparing for what happens after graduation. Senior year is full of academics, participation in clubs and extracurricular activities, social activities, and don't forget the preparation for after graduation. The seniors in the Class of 2016 are constantly working hard to make sure they have left their mark. Chelsea Banks is a graduating senior, International Studies Major, from Houston. I caught up with Chelsea and asked her a few questions about her senior year and new projects she is embarking on.
Chelsea's senior year has been full and fast paced but she said that "every day, I make sure that I am in the mindset to be open to anything my day has to offer." Chelsea takes this outlook to get through her busy senior year. She says, "Consciously, I remind myself to breathe because there are certain things in my control, but there are other things that I have no control over and I can't stress over what I can't regulate." Although senior year is still in its first semester, she has embarked on many exciting opportunities during her college experience.
Last year, for her junior year, Chelsea did a domestic exchange at Babson College and explored Latin America through her "Chelsea Takes the World" study abroad experience.
"My domestic exchange experience at Babson College was truly one that I will forever be grateful for. My ultimate goal for attending Babson was because I knew that they focused on business and entrepreneurship. Since I had a strong interest in understanding business, I knew that Babson would provide me with the necessary tools to enhance my business skills. Aside from growing in my academics, I was able to build some lasting relationships. I was a member of Babson’s Dance Ensemble, Black Student Union, Best Buddies and I worked three jobs on campus. Within each of those sectors, I gained new friendships that I never knew I would. In fact, I still keep in contact with some of the deans, my professors and my peers."
"My study abroad experience, 'Chelsea Takes the World,' was truly one that I can’t compare to anything else. My goal for traveling to Latin America was to stretch myself mentality, spiritually, emotionally and physically. I can definitely say that my goal was accomplished because Latin America opened my eyes to so many ways of life. I was in Latin America from February until May and I was based in Argentina. I was also blessed to travel to Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil on various excursions as I understood the social change and regional development within underdeveloped countries. Being faced with the reality of being viewed as an 'other' due to my race in combination with improving my Spanish evoked several emotions. Towards the end of my 'Chelsea Takes the World' study abroad experience, I knew that I was a stronger person than when I came. Not only did I grow as a student who improved her language, but as a person who was willing to endure the obstacles that came with being a young African American women in a society that wasn’t my normal."
With those diverse experiences under her belt, Chelsea continues to strive during her senior year. Lately she has focused on Chelsea Banks' Ministries and her new book. Chelsea Banks’ Ministries is the demonstration that, regardless of what age you are, you can fulfill your purpose. In addition, Chelsea has authored a new book, "The Edge: Purpose Has No Age Limit." Chelsea states that "the book was birthed through a pattern that I witnessed at the end of my sophomore year at Spelman and during one of my summer internships. I noticed that many were going through the motions of life as they tried to understand their placement within this world. In fact, when you live in world that constantly feeds negativity, it can be challenging to be authentic and execute purpose at the same time. The book begins by dispelling every worldly contradiction that has been placed on this generation and then I take the readers on a journey of what it means to understand your purpose and then, fulfill your purpose to its highest potential." Chelsea highlights that her favorite part of the book are the affirmations because at times we have to remind ourselves that we have purpose.
Chelsea is excited for the year and she is looking forward to graduation in May. After graduation, she will enter the consulting industry where she will assist companies on how to advance their business. Through Chelsea Banks’ Ministries, she will also continue to minister through dance and speak to more young adults on the vitality of purpose. Chelsea will also be having a book signing soon in the AUC, and don't forget to follow her on social media (Chelsea D. Banks) and visit her website, www.chelseabanks.net.
Sister Chelsea, thank you for your continued inspiration toward the youth. You have been a big sister to me throughout my years here at Spelman and I appreciate all the love and joy you have offered me. I wish you nothing but the best throughout your senior year and after graduation. Sending you lots of Sister Love and blessings.
