Graduation Day 2007

Well..it's official...I am a graduate of the Class of 2007! It's surreal to think that all of the class reading and paper writing is done. Amazing. It was a really good day and I actually had a great time.

Dezarie called me this morning to say she wasn't going to attend so I didn't get to take a picture with her. Pedro found me right away so that was cool. There were so many undergrad, graduate, and two post grads. The energy was energetic and it was impossible for anyone to be in a bad mood while at MSG Theater. When they finally called our group for the conferring of degrees, Alice gave me a high five and Pedro the thumbs up. Way cool. We all had fun today. I really do hope that some of us remain in touch. I have been fortunate to meet many fantastic people every place I go. My fellow classmates are no exception. Some of them are simply phenomenal. Afterwards, Lorraine met up with my parents and me for a meal at Katz Deli. She says she has a fun surprise planned for me when I get back from the trip. Cool beans. O.K. I'm actually tired. It was a fun but long day. I am really proud of my fellow graduates and I'm proud of me too! Still hard to believe I now have a Master's Degree and am actually considering pursuing a second. WOW! I've come a long way and I am happy to be taking the journey!

Cory Booker Inspires Me

It's late but I just wanted to take a moment to say that I am even more inspired after hearing Cory Booker speak at our Recognition Night! The theme of his speech was that of never giving up and to "Stand Up" even in the face of adversity. His words resonated deeply in my heart. He said the world needs us. Sometimes that's hard to believe considering how many bad people there are in it. However, he is right, the world does need us. He is such an amazing man...powerful speaker...and highly personable. I feel honored to have heard his address. o.k. i'm really tired. Graduation ceremony tomorrow and then thank goodness, the madness of the process is done. More later in the day.

My Completion

Hello Sarah,Christine, and Eileen,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you again for firing me! Tomorrow is my graduation. During my attempt to complete this journey, I constantly kept in my mind all of the lessons I learned from people throughout my life. I have learned from you three as well. The lesson learned is to always remember not to get caught up in certain titles and this perception that title equals automatic power and respect. You have to earn both. I also was reminded to always remain focused on what I want in my life. Life is not about finding oneself but rather creating the life one wants. I decide who I want to be...not you.

One of my professors said that those with the least amount of power exercise it the most. It would appear he is correct. While I do not have a corporate title, I do have many titles that define me. Titles of importance to me include daughter, sister, friend, volunteer, and good human being to name a few. So, with that...while you may have a great corporate title that you may need to define who you are, I never needed you to be the director, manager, or supervisor of my life. I wish you tenfold everything you have wished for me. This leg of my journey is complete and I move on to the next. Be well.

-A

What Makes the News

It is such a shame to see that the passing of Yolanda King was buried in the midday newscast. I was shocked to read about her passing this morning. I interviewed Yolanda many years ago when I was hosting Cityscape at Fordham. At the time she was teaching a course called "Theater as Social Change". While we spoke for only an hour and a half, I remember her presence as that of a kind, socially responsible, down to earth woman. I think it is very troubling to think that more time was spent on who the American Idol finalists will be rather than the death of the daughter of an important civil rights leader. The King family still works to promote the teachings of Dr. King. It's scary to think that we are so dumbed down that all we care about is entertainment. Very troubling. I better go. Won't have time to revisit later. More tomorrow.

The non-girly living space

My only defense is to say that I was really busy with school and interviews! That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Ha ha. My space is bordering on a federal disaster zone. O.K. Maybe that's a bit drastic but lemme just say I can't stretch out on the sofa just yet. When I get back from workout, I'm going to put everything where it's supposed to be and I can finally get rid of tons of paper related to classes. Notebooks go away too thanks to the friend recycling program (i.e. Lor can use my unused notebooks). And more winter clothing will be packed up for donation. I have to make sure I leave this place really neat. There's no better feeling than coming back to a really pretty space after traveling. The only thing I do hate is knowing that nobody will be around to check up on my space while I'm gone. I'll be lucky if my mother even drives over here to check the mail. I hate when the rest of the people in this building know that i'm not here. Can you tell I don't trust certain people. Oh well...can't worry about it. We'll actually I could but I won't.

I feel like I have a million things to do and such a short time to get it done. Oye vey! It will get done. Anyway, I better get moving. More later.

The Last Class-FREEDOM

My final presentation is tonight. I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time. I still can't believe that I graduate on Friday and in a week I will be headed out of the country...again! WOW. I'm looking forward to it all. Still have some stuff to take care of so more in a bit.

11:22pm... I'm officially free! Our advisor took us out for drinks on him after tonight's round of presentations. I feel really good about my project and presentation. I think Sylvia will get best in show though. We'll find out Thursday night. I have a feeling I will finish out this semester with all A's! O.K. I'm tired and slightly drunk since I didn't eat much today. Going to sleep.