WELCOME

While I've always found fulfillment in supporting others from behind the scenes, I've come to understand that honoring and expressing my voice is equally vital to personal and professional growth. Throughout my life, I've naturally taken on the role of the encourager, the one quietly uplifting others, sharing ideas, and celebrating the achievements of family, friends, and colleagues. Somewhere along the journey, I noticed that while cheering for everyone else, I was staying silent about my voice and values. Contributing to the success of those around me brought genuine satisfaction, and I never hesitated to offer support or insight when it could be helpful. I've watched my contributions get overlooked or credited to others. This was the case with many projects that I spearheaded. I would do all of the off-the-work and have someone study and present as if they had created the project. I've learned that acknowledging my value, speaking up about my ideas, and taking credit for my work is not arrogance; it's self-respect. This shift in mindset has been both personal and transformative. I've learned humility should not come at the cost of self-recognition. Staying silent did not serve my growth; it held me back. This shift in mindset has been both personal and transformative. I am learning to take up space with confidence, advocate for my contributions, and find balance between supporting others and myself. In doing so, I've gained a more profound sense of purpose and empowerment, both essential for continued growth in any professional journey.

 

This realization didn’t happen all at once; it was shaped by personal experiences and supported by what I learned in the classroom. I worked on a team project where I suggested a solution that significantly improved our onboarding employee percentage. For example, I shared my idea with a superior, trusting they’d acknowledge my input. Instead, they presented it as their own to leadership and were praised for it. I was left feeling invisible. That experience taught me the importance of having good ideas and knowing how and when to speak up. Taking Intro to Logic played a big success in helping me see that. This course sharpened my ability to think critically. It helped me to recognize flawed reasoning and the consequences of assumptions. Practicing logical communication and learning how to structure arguments gave me the tools to express myself more freely with more confidence and clarity. Intro to Logic wasn't just academic; it gave me real-life skills I carry today.

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A similar situation happened at my place of worship, where I spent much time working behind the scenes, planning events, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. For instance, when we were organizing our annual service celebration, logic helped me break things down, see the bigger picture, and approach situations differently. If I was going to think outside the box, I also needed to think ahead to visualize the outcome and prepare to stand behind my ideas. That insight has changed how I show up, not just in my faith community but in every part of my life.

 

Another course that helped me work on speaking up was "Intro to Business" (BUAD 200). This course has helped me see the importance of visibility and recognition in both professional and personal settings. It has also taught me that marketing is not just about selling products or providing what the customer needs at that time. It’s about effectively communicating value, positioning oneself strategically, and ensuring that contributions are acknowledged.

 

Lastly, I've learned how necessary it is to be more vocal about my work and ideas. I will stand firm in my values while recognizing a pattern when others are trying to take a quick opportunity. I often prioritize harmony over recognition while realizing the long-term impact on my growth and confidence. As businesses market their products to stand out, I must sell myself to gain recognition. Also, moving forward, I will continue to set healthy boundaries, document my work, and seek feedback to maintain ownership of my efforts.

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Insight #2

Over the past year, the most significant insight I've gained from my experiences is taking control of my life, career, and personal growth in my early human resource profession. Hard work paid off, providing me with more opportunities that would come with time and effort. I soon realized that maturity doesn't just happen overnight. You must seek it, inspire yourself, and create teachable opportunities.

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My insight came to an epiphany when I transitioned from the technology industry to healthcare. I evolved into a new environment and wasn't sure how this new venture would have turned out. I had nine years of experience in technology, but healthcare had its complexities, and I wasn't sure how to navigate them. Instead of waiting for adjustments, I decided to elevate my career. I achieved this by reaching out to colleagues and mentors. Scheduling informational meetings with colleagues and asking questions helped me fill the gap in my knowledge between technology and the healthcare industry. One specific moment that solidified this lesson was noticing broken areas in our recruiting process without my manager asking. I glimpsed an opportunity to correct the recruiting process for new hires and overall employee engagement for our entire company. Taking the initiative to implement changes would help the organization make a difference. This experience reinforced that taking action, even when uncertain, leads to opportunities, growth, and respect.

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Another area in which I started applying this mindset was my education. After taking a ten-year break from school, returning to complete my degree felt overwhelming with a husband and a new job. Doubts crept in. Can I balance school, work, and life? However, I reminded myself of my strength, that progress begins with small steps. The College Interdisciplinary & Continued Studies program at Morgan State played a huge role in easing my transition. This program helped me to be around like-minded people like me who also wanted to complete their degrees after being gone for more than five years. It helped me realize that I was not alone. This sense of community gave me the encouragement I needed to push forward. Professor Laquetta Bryant played a crucial role in the process. She reminded me that it's never too late to invest in myself and trust the process, and I will make it this time.

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Psychology 101 directed my insight into individual advancement. Learning about different aspects of human behavior, motivation, emotion, personality, and social interactions helped me understand myself and others more deeply. Concepts like developmental changes and abnormal behavior made me reflect on how people evolve and how growth requires intentional effort. Taking this class allowed me to connect with Psychology theories, which gave me a perception of what I have: tenacity, Endurance, and self-awareness.

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This insight is crucial because it has transformed how I approach life obstacles instead of waiting for the right moment in life or for someone to guide me. I decided to boost my confidence, leading to the opening of doors. Furthermore, In life, getting ahead isn't just about talent. It's about what action you will take and how persistent you will be. You will have the willingness to step up when it feels uncomfortable. Looking back, I wish I had this mindset earlier, but now, it's a lesson that influences every decision I make moving forward.

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Insight #3​

As I matured, I realized that some things I used to enjoy no longer bring me the same interest or fulfillment. In the past, I never was the type to always stay out late or party every weekend. I used to think I was missing out on a social life. I used to think that if I kept myself busy, I was making the most out of life. Over time, I started craving more purposeful encounters rather than just proceeding through the motions of what I thought I should be doing.

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Taking a speech class played a significant role in this shift. It gave me the confidence and tools to speak up in everyday moments that mattered.

In my thirties, I would go out with my friends, only to feel disconnected or disengaged. I learned how to express myself clearly and honestly, which helped me converse honestly with my family and friends. I finally felt comfortable telling them when I didn't want to join certain outings or activities that no longer felt like me. It wasn't about pushing people away but honoring who I was becoming and being okay with choosing what felt right for me. I found myself drawn to making memories and enjoying quiet nights.

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Marriage and Family 231 helped me understand how individuals evolve through different stages of life and how our relationships naturally shift over time. Learning about courtship, engagement, and family dynamics showed me that growth often means embracing new priorities and redefining what fulfillment looks like. Also, Intro to Group Dynamics greatly influenced my introspection. This course taught me how social interactions influence group roles, communication styles, and personal development. I realized I had been part of routines rather than a genuine connection. Studying group cohesion and conflict resolution helped me understand why I felt disconnected in specific social settings and empowered me to make more intentional choices about who and what I invest my energy in.

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This new change in life has allowed me to prioritize what truly matters without feeling pressured. Noticing these aspects has improved my overall health and well-being. I've learned to listen to my body and trust my hunch. I no longer need to justify my aversion to not going out. I've also come to understand that real development takes time and often requires stepping out of your comfort zone or owning standing habits. It isn't easy, but the awareness and poise that will follow are worth every moment. As I continue to evolve, I'm learning to honor my pace, speak up for my needs, and create space for the version of myself that's still unfolding. Growth, after all, is not a destination—it's a continuous act of becoming.

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Lastly, maturing has shown me that growth isn't just about doing what others want. It's about making changes that align more with my new lifestyle. Once you fully embrace the latest change, others will notice the new you and may even be inspired to seek their change. My journey taught me that self-awareness and persistence are the keys to a fulfilling life.

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Insight #4​

Leaving home to attend an HBCU nationwide as a student-athlete was exciting and terrifying. As the only girl in a family of three brother who all made it to the NFL.I was raised in a household fueled by competition and determination. When it was time to chase my dreams, I had to do it alone, thousands of miles away from my family in Seattle, Washington. My parents did their best to support me by supporting many of my events.but with my brothers competing, it was nearly impossible for them to travel back and forth across the country as much as they would’ve liked. I had to learn how to navigate life alone in a different state quickly. Academics and athletics were sometimes a struggle without the comfort of my family and friends physically by my side.

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Most days were more challenging than others. However, the good days outweighed the bad days. There were moments when I would look into the stands and see my parents cheering me on or celebrating big wins from Washington State. my biggest accomplishment was winning the MEAC Championship in shot put and being named Female Athlete of the Year. These were significant accomplishments for which I worked so hard. But even in those moments of victory, I was always reminded how God was always with me. Thankfully, my parents made sure I was surrounded by good professors and coaches. Which eventually took me under their wing. They realized that I was far from Seattle, Washigton and I would sometimes get homesick. They made sure I had the support I needed. Their guidance and care, from picking me up from the airport to ensuring I was included in all of there family events. This reassured me that I was not alone in this journey.

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Taking Physical Education Measure and Evaluation helped me to understand the science behind my performance as an athlete. This taught me how to gain a new perspective on my experiences. Also, the course helped me to assess progress in both health and physical education, while learning about t-tests, correlations, and variance analysis helped me break down my growth as an athlete and student, teaching me that setbacks and progress are both measurable and necessary. I constantly analyze my performance while recognizing patterns of improvement. This was used to drive results by using data, which I applied to every one of my competitions.

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Over time, I realized that success isn't just about who's in the crowd. It's about the journey that you take. My family may not have been able to be there all the time in person. but their love was always present in late-night calls, care packages, and the endless pride in their voices whenever I shared my achievements with them. Their love, despite the distance, was a constant source of strength and motivation for me. 

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Looking back at this encounter, I realize that this has shaped me into a strong and independent woman today. I'm successful and find joy in the journey and memories. It was never easy, but the hard times taught me resilience and gave me a deeper appreciation for my family's sacrifices. While I may have started my college journey alone, I walked away confidently in my ability to stand alone and make the most out of every opportunity, no matter where life takes me.

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