Making Waves

Dating in your 30s is interesting. I’ve interacted with guys who are either eager to settle down and have kids almost immediately, and others who anticipate marriage someday but are single or casually dating until they find someone serious. With all this in mind, I’ve taken time to think about where I’m at and what I want for myself in the future. And while I’m not involved with anyone at the moment, I’ve felt God signaling some changes heading my way regarding my love life. I’m not entirely sure how everything’s going to come together or when, but one of the first things I did was pray. Here’s what I had to say. “God, I’m not sure who you have in mind for me. I know this is something I’ve been back and forth with you about and have given up on sometimes, but help me with my heart, my mind, and my spirit. I’m surrendering and trusting you and your timing, even when it’s hard. Also, there’s one more thing I wanted to bring up. Whoever it is you have in mind, God, please keep the thots a...

I love checking out cool documentaries. And a while back, I had a chance to watch   A Kid From Coney Island  on Netflix.  It’s a great story detailing the highs and lows of former NBA player Stephon Marbury and his life journey on and off the basketball court. This documentary also had some great takeaways and surprises I was able to glean from too. I believe you can always learn a lot from studying those who have come before you, and it’s a privilege having the opportunity to see their stories.   1. Hard Work Pays Off.  Stephon studied and continually practiced playing basketball from the time he was a kid to an adult. He also had basketball in his genes (as he had siblings who played before him) and a great support system in the form of his family and coaches, who let him know that basketball could take him anywhere around the world if he allowed it to. Throughout his story, this proved to be true, as he worked hard, pushed through different adversities such a...

When I was 13 (as seen in the picture above) I would have thoroughly appreciated having the opportunity to participate in virtual learning. Especially if it meant not having to physically be at school with my peers. Moving through middle school wasn’t easy for me. Now that I’m actively working as an educator with sixth graders, I’ve been thinking a lot about what middle school was like when I was a student. And while things have changed a lot since then, I often think about how this generation of middle schoolers are adjusting and adapting to virtual learning, moving through a pandemic, and growing up with things like social media and having the world at their fingertips via smartphones and laptops. It’s wild.  Although middle school wasn’t a complete nightmare (I was a steady honor student, involved in orchestra, and cultivated some close friendships), I struggled with anxiety, depression, and fear while trying to adapt and find my way socially. I had friends and was able to commu...

Sometimes you just need an amazing dessert. And I found one that exceeded my expectations at a great shop called The Sweet Spot. This place specializes in creating some of the most amazing sweets and delicious confections I’ve ever had. They serve ice cream, smoothies, frozen coffees, espressos, funnel cakes, milkshakes, and more. Plus, the location is super bright, colorful, and cute. And did I mention they have excellent customer service? If you’re in the Hampton Roads area and looking for a great place to grab an incredible dessert, head into The Sweet Spot and enjoy!

If someone had told me a year ago (or at any point in my professional career) that I would be working as a sixth grade English teacher, I would have laughed and dismissed the idea completely. Seriously. Especially after repeatedly being asked if I would use my English degree to teach someday, and consistently saying  no.  Now? I’m teaching sixth grade English. And  while I’m navigating working outside of my comfort zone and within a virtual setting, I couldn’t be more thankful and appreciative to have this opportunity.    And to think? This happened during a global pandemic.    God moves in some wild ways. He’s not limited by a pandemic, the economy, or what anyone else has to think or say. Just as I was growing discouraged and about to settle where I was, a new door opened up for me to become an educator. For three years, I worked as an academic advisor and a communications specialist. And while I enjoyed being of service, learning new skills, and mov...

I’ll never forget the time I asked my high school crush out on a date.  I told him I liked him and asked him if he wanted to go to the Friday night basketball game our school was having. Looking back, I’m surprised at how bold I was. He and I were friends, and since it was senior year, I thought, why not take the risk? There I was. Standing. Smiling. And eagerly waiting for a response. He looked at me, smiled, and then he said, “Yeah, *Shaquan (*not her real name) told me you liked me.” “Cool, so would you wanna go to the game together?” I asked. “Um, I gotta work on Friday,” he replied. Which was a no . But instead of just saying no , he did what most teenage guys did. Came up with an excuse instead of being upfront. So I didn’t go to the game that night. But I found out he went and was there when one of my friends texted me and told me she saw him. Oh well. I put myself out there and took the risk. And can’t ever say that I didn’t.  Sometimes you have to ...