Remembering Graduation
I can’t believe it’s been 6 years since I walked across that stage for the first time. As graduates everywhere hold virtual graduations due to the ongoing pandemic, I am thankful for the moments I had during my graduation and have never taken those moments for granted. That moment was one I wouldn’t forget because those 4 years showed me just how strong I really was. I went into college believing that all my summers spent on the road playing basketball since the age of 11 were finally going to be put on the collegiate floor. I had a rough freshman year, knee surgery sophomore year, and right before my junior year could even get started, that turned into a life-altering change. When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I had people telling me to take the year off. I had people saying there was no way I could juggle school, work, and the job in the Athletics dept. I had to maintain to keep my basketball scholarship. Regardless of all the negativity, I persevered!
Don’t get me wrong, this journey was not pretty at all. I had countless trips to the hospital. I had nights where I was in the hospital, didn’t leave until the morning, and still showed up to class. I took exams and wrote papers in the hospital. Nothing was going to stop me! I was determined to not only get the job done, but do it up to my standards. I finished, and not only earned my Bachelors degree, I also earned my Masters degree in 4 years. I finished with a 3.6 GPA overall. This very day, I felt a huge weight lifted, and I could finally smile, because I did it in spite of EVERYTHING.
Six years later, I look at these pictures and can feel that joy, because it was the absolute hardest 4 years I had to endure. I don’t say much but, those 4 years showed me LIFE. It showed me my strength, it showed me who would be in the trenches with me, and let’s be clear, I can count those people on one hand. So, my moves are very intentional. Who I have in my life right now is very intentional. When basketball is no longer life, and you’re not in the spotlight because of it, watch who's still hanging around with you.
I would have never thought that I would still be pursuing MORE education. Some say I’m crazy, but I love to gain knowledge! One Bachelors degree, and 2 Masters degrees, and I’m still not done! I share these stories to affirm you that your life experiences weren’t an accident--understand your purpose. 🙏🏾 It never gets easier, the purpose just becomes more clear!
