Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm (n.)- intense or eager interest; zeal; fervor.

I am enthusiastic about my life and career trajectories because I can only go up from here and I am not even at rock bottom! 2007 will bring me career advancement, financial prosperity, traveling for conferences and my 30th birthday, completing my graduate degree, and expanding my professional network by joining and contributing to social organizations that I am devoted to.

Positive Feedback

Black Enterprise published my emailed response regarding the September 2006 publisher's page remarks about the importance of education. When I wrote that in August and I just started American. If I could whether relocation, getting flooded, moving again, dual enrollment at two colleges and having to take the bus then the train to work, then I can survive anything! I am currently enrolled at both AU and NOVA and look forward towards graduating December 2007. This more than makes my day and rekindles my personal flame to become a writer. Now even when the macro verdict comes down, I will remain on solid ground! All of the hard work is done. Now all I have to do is continue pushing myself to become a better person everyday and I will be okay!

On the Fast Track

Horoscope: People will be coming to you for advice and assistance - and who can blame them? You are the one who has all the answers. You might as well put up a sign and start charging. People will be lined up out the door to see you. Make time for others.


Yippee! My boss has come to me and offered me my dream job: to become a programmer, take SAS/AF II and manage the AF database that my former coworker once had! Hot dog! I am on the fast track! Tuesday I will start preparing for my SAS III class this upcoming January. My boss’ proclamation came right out of my success journal. This is unbelievable. It is one more confirmation that I will be successful on this job!

Goodwill and Good Cheer

Yesterday my mother and the non-profit money management organization whom I sent Christmas cards to called to thank me. I appreciated that my card touch them so; and, unbeknownst to them their phone calls gave me Christmas cheer. Spreading goodwill to all men is the what Christmas is all about. Their positive feedback motivated me to write another batch of Christmas and even to thank some more people who helped me on my journey from Cleveland to Arlington.

Opportunity Journal Entry #2

Yesterday I enrolled in my first healthcare program. Obtaining health insurance is the cornerstone to wealth building. Speaking of which American has received my check and has released its hold allowing me to register for spring.

Since I am enrolled at NOVA, even if the university tells me that it won't accept analytical calculus, I will simply test and keep my math credits. Doctoral programs require analytical calculus plus the math lab tutors and some applied calculus students have made disparaging remarks about the lack of theory. If applied calculus cannot teach me how to solve calculus problems then I will not take it even if if causes some scheduling problems!

Although Marymount offers only daytime classes, I have switched my focus to another Virginia in-state university which collaborates with my community college. This means that I can take online courses at NOVA and simultaneously earn both community college and my BA in Math! There are a few kinks that need to be sorted out like the majority of the math courses are offered during the mornings (the employee informed me that attending every session is at the teacher's discretion). However, if that is the case then I would just take online courses.

This whole manuevering thing has made me reconsider UDC although it is located in Washington, DC and I will not receive the in-state rate. My goal is take as many math classes as possible during the three years between my masters and doctoral degrees to skip the math requirement.

Opportunity Journal

Opportunity: a combination of circumstances favorable for the purpose; good chance.

The idea of keeping an opportunity journal came from last Thursday’s life coach meeting. Lynda remarked about my taking advantage of all of the opportunities afforded. She mentioned that very few people who relocate and transfer to another school simultaneously. Yet I had the drive to do so. She was right but I had never considered quitting!

Having just arrived in Virginia less than four months ago, I have left an indelible mark here. I am excelling at the local community college and look forward towards taking calculus next spring. Transferring to a four-year college and receiving my B.S. in Math en route to attending a top tier Ph.D. business and economics program, is my long-term goal, which I will achieve but capitalizing on all available opportunities afforded me.

Life after CLEP II

My community college online representative has just called to inform me that the online credit information is incorrect and that the online and offline tuition will be the same. This means that I might enroll in the offline class presuming that I do not have the professor who will do all of his lectures via calculator instead on the board. If so, then I will take the online class.

This revelation also forces me to put off taking statistics next semester yet affords me another opportunity to test out of statistics via DANTES. I am still buying the Statistics for Dummies workbook to prepare for it.

Life after CLEP

Yesterday I decided not to take the CLEP calculus exam and instead focusing on preparing for my transcript evaluation meeting. This proved to be a wise move because I received 35 credits towards my A.S. in Science/Mathematics degree. Earlier this morning, I faxed a copy of my data mining syllabus to audit a computer science course. This move would give me 3 credits plus an additional 3 from a lower-level computer science course; thereby, granting me a new total of 41 credits. Now my focus would be strictly math classes. No CLEP. No PLACE.

I was glad that I had the face-to-face meeting because of the counselor's ineptitude. She could not locate my degree conferred and major on the top of the transcript. Then upon informing her that I earned 24 credit hours in economics, she responded, "Are you an economics major? Well, Duh?" She was unbelievable!

At the conclusion of this meeting, I asked about receiving honors status. She gave me the contact person and walked to the office, completed an application and upon returning to campus for my math class later that evening submitted two official transcripts. I also emailed a cover letter and my resume detailing my accomplishments to the contact who approved me! :) However, now I would have to take an honors seminar which might interrupt my plan of enrolling in a Virginia public university next fall 2007. However, even though I would graduate next December 2007, I could still continue taking classes.

Upon exiting the Honors program division, I returned to the counseling center where I retrieved three out of the four articulation agreements. One, in particular, caught my eye though I was skeptical about enrolling at a Catholic university (I am Protestant as have all of my schooling) so I will see what materializes.

Honestly, I am contemplating whether or not I should apply for transfer status next year of wait until 2008 when I have exhausted all of my community college course options because I do not want to be charged a higher tuition rate.

Countdown to CLEP

Today is one week to the day I take the CLEP calculus test! Even though I left my graphing calculator and precalculus notebook at home during the Thanksgiving break (never again, will I mix work with vacation), my father has mailed them yesterday; and, I had completed reading up to chapter 8 in the Calculus for Dummies book.

Later this evening, I will review my precalculus homework and test questions (the professor stopped the test because the majority of the students struggled to answer most of the questions though I had only one remaining. However, I, too, benefited from reviewing some of my answers. Honestly, I do not feel compelled to review every test answers in light of the professor okaying my answers to the most challenging homework problems. But, at least there is an opportunity to score higher than last week so I might as well review them.). After arriving on campus, I will continue to review my test questions, then submit my homework.

Unknown to me upon reading the text, I have covered a lot of the subjects in my precalculus class such as vertical and horizontal asymptotes and difference equations. Later tonight I will search my noted for corresponding homework problems and earlier assignments to refresh my knowledge.

The Week in Review

It has been over one week since I blogged and a lot of good stuff have transpired since last Tuesday. Yesterday I attended to MLK Memorial groundbreaking event, had an epiphany that I could complete my A.S. in Science/Mathematics degree by next December by taking CLEP, DANTES, portfolio assessment and waiving classes (and do not need to take the CLEP calculus exam to do so), completed reading part I in Trigonometry for Dummies ( I will finish reading part II today), and located some very good scholarships via VirginiaMentor and the Foundation Center. So much has gone right for me that I need to share it with the blogosphere:

Yesterday, Monday, November 13, 2006:
I awoke at 7:20am, caught the 7:31am 7C bus, forgot to grab my id card while awaiting the blue line metro to GWU, and spent nearly two hours trying to find the MLK Memorial groundbreaking event because of faulty directions. Though I made it and snapped pictures of Oprah, Senator Barack Obama and Tavis Smiley, I was glad to be in great shape for a very physical undertaking. I literally had to walk across Memorial Bridge! And it cost me $11 in Smartcard benefits! However, it was well worth it because I was a part of history and within two years the Memorial will be complete. Also all four of Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Kings' children attended the event. Seeing Yolanda jogged my memory that I would be seeing her at another event this Saturday. Having heard her speak before, she was extremely gracious and informative.

Also yesterday I located some great scholarship sources at the NOVA and Arlington libraries. During lunch I will go to the Foundation Center to complete outlining Don't Miss Out then travel to NOVA where I will pick up 501 Ways Adult Learner can finance college! There are still five more scholarship deadlines before the New Year, and I am intent upon capitalizing on every single one of them!

Sunday, November 12, 2006:
I figured out by taking the CLEP and DANTES exams, waiving college courses and PLACE allowed me to complete my A.S. in Science/Mathematics by next December. In addition, I did not have to take the CLEP calculus to accelerate the process meaning that I
could relocate to Rossyln, Virginia, which is closer to work after August 1st, and attain VA residency while taking the remaining classes at Arlington Center. Yippee!

Celebrating Ten Years' of Active Franchise

Today marks my tenth voting anniversary. Not even I could had imagined when I cast my first ballot in 1996 all of the changes that would shape my life:

• Interning in Washington, DC in 1998
• Receiving my BA in International Economics in 1999
• Traveling to London in 2002
• Graduating with my MBA on my 25th birthday in 2002
• Returning to Cleveland State University as an MA in Economics student
• Winning the BEA Economist job
• Transferring to American University and the Northern Virginia Community College
  
  While boarding the late 22A bus I started thinking about how I would commemorate this event. Now, I understand that this is a milestone and here is where I will be come my twentieth voting anniversary:
  
• Graduating cum laude from American University in 2007
• Possessing three years’ mathematical knowledge to be accepted into a top 25 doctoral economics program
• Being debt free
• Owning my own home and business
• Graduating summa cum laude with my Ph.D.
• Fully fund my college book scholarship
• Have a $1 million net worth

Becoming a Mentor

Last week my mother sent me an email regarding her colleague's cousin seeking career advice. The woman,a sophomore, attended an HBCU and majored in International Business. Having obtained an International Economics, Mom deemed me qualified to give her advice (either that or she just liked to brag that her daughter worked in DC!). Immediately I visited the school's website and located student club resources and referred her to the nearest Urban League and Black MBA Association. After relaying her this information, I conducted my own search and to my surprise, located a Northern Virginia Young Professional chapter with a cheaper membership than the DC chapter!

Being propelled into this role felt easy because as I enter my fourth decade on this Earth, my horizons are expanding. During my thirties I want to fully fund my book scholarship to aid low-income students with college costs especially since financial need aid is disappearing. Therefore, becoming a mentor seems like a natural progression in this direction.

A New Attitude and a New Outlook

Last night, I thought of a new synonym for Ph.D. pressure hones diamonds in response to the debate that Reverend Al Sharpton and Jay had regarding voting yesterday on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. This is motivational because I want to obtain my Ph.D. plus franchise is extremely important to me.

Yesterday the math tutor told me that I needed some work on my algebraic concepts, that precalculus is the kind of math that I had to constantly work 100 problems, and upon the conclusion of my math session said until next time then proclaimed that “there is always a new time because you never stop learning!” How right he is. I have solved over twenty word problems in sections 4.7 and 4.8 alone and will incorporate them in my regimen because force me to think outside of the box. At the beginning of class, I feared word problems but after having enormous success, solving them seems like second nature.

In addition, yesterday I also decided that I would take total control over my life, career and education by requesting information from all of the Virginia educational organizations and going to the Foundation Center during lunch to research.

I have just finished emailing Virginian educational organizations for material requests and will know focus on my upcoming meeting with the career counselor. Having finished my Individualized Development Plan and registered for the SGE Conference, I feel that my career is full stem ahead! Today’s meeting will cover the IDP and how to market myself at the conference and tips regarding the ASSA event this January. Also I will tell her about my latest NUL and NAACP discoveries.

Discussing my IDP with her helped me immensely because she gave me more ideas regarding attaining my short-term and long-term goals. First, she talked about adding the ASSA Convention and NABE Policymaking conference to my IDP. Second, regarding Toastmasters she gave me the idea to create an icebreaker for the SGE conference (how ingenious!). I can practice my public speaking skills here at the conference. Why wait until November 8th? Third, she asked (well, actually prodded me) to seek out a mentor (I really do not know anyone so how could I?). Her remarks forced me out of my comfort zone. Immediately after the meeting I emailed my boss about my IDP so that he could review it.

Working Woman's Credo

I represent
This I can’t deny
As the Chinese proverb proclaims
“Women hold up half the sky”
I work so let’s myself perfectly clear
I embody Esther and Ruth
Biblical feminism for 5000 years

Manifest

I have the recipe
To manifest my own destiny
Every morning I awake
Every second that I breathe
I believe that I can achieve
All of my dreams
Though sometimes it seems
That life unravels at the seams
My radiance beams
Shine bright
Illuminate the daylight
Possessing insight
Examining hindsight
Incorporating foresight
To do what’s right
Add vigilance with due diligence
And the sum is intelligence
Multiply times experience
And the product is magnificence
This is what I manifest

Finding my PLACE

Finding my PLACE (Prior Learning Activity for Credit Evaluation). The PLACE program allows me to earn up to 15 credits towards an Associate Degree. Since I will take so many math courses, my goal is to create portfolios for Introduction to Computing (after three SAS courses, I know how to use and program a computer!), and Introduction to Speech Communication (After and publicly speaking at Toastmasters, this will be a shoo-in!). I will take the student development this spring semester to learn how to compile a portfolio (which will help me with my master’s thesis and year-end appraisal) then submit them during fall 2007 after achieving residency to reduce costs. Employing this strategy saves me a boatload of money!

The A.S. in Science/Mathematics advising sheet has a history elective course which I will take the CLEP American Government test, ace it then audit the class; transfer my CSU micro and macro classes for the social science electives; and enroll at UDC to take linear algebra/differential equations to audit NOVA’s differential equations and linear algebra courses. Since I will receive residency until August 1, 2007, that’s a cost savings of nearly $1235, the cost of one course!

300 Million and Counting

The United States hit the 300 million mark this morning at 7:46am! I am ecstatic because it ushers in a new era of change. Many people are rightfully concerned about overpopulation, however, yesterday NBC reported that Holland has a population density 15X that of the United States so we will be okay. However, I worry about the environmental concerns especially global warming. We must make a more concerted effort to reduce greenhouse gases, and car emissions.

As a futurist and an optimist, I am looking forward to the year 2043, when the 400 millionth American is born because by age 66 I will have accomplished an abundance of things. As Quincy Jones proclaimed to Oprah Winfrey on the Color Purple set, “Your future is so bright, you’ll burn your eyes just looking at it!”

Circle of Influence

Yesterday Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) reported that black youths age 15-25 are the most politically active in the United States. This made me euphoric because I knew that we had passion! However, it also claimed that their 2002 counterparts (I was 25 in 2002) were more politically active which was true. The report harkened back to Reverend Al Sharpton’s October 11, 2006 radio commentary about youth and relevance. He preached that you could be young and irrelevant to your own generation. How true! Even though I possess two degrees with one on the way, a job in my field, and ten years’ voting experience (I will celebrate this milestone in November at Morton’s), I tussle with remaining relevant as I enter my thirties. See, securing my MA in Economics degree or the CPA licensure exclaim relevance. I believe that social activism equates relevancy as since I strongly value education, endowing a scholarship to help blacks obtain a degree makes me relevant. This is one of my goals that I will accomplish by age thirty-five.

Instant Emotional Lift

Eureka! While searching www.about.com I located the Quotations guide site which has an abundance of achievement quotations. I will contact the Stress Management guide because this will surely release a lot of stress!

These are some that I like:
Christine Frankland: Inspirational Quotes: Accomplishment QuotesLife is just a blank slate, what matters most is what you write on it.
Jack Kinder: Inspirational Quotes: AchievementHigh achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.

I do have very high expectations for myself because I believe that I can accomplish them! I know what I am capable of so I will continue setting the bar high. If I did not believe in myself, I would not have accomplished all of these things; and, I know that I can do much, much more that is why I continue to challenge myself, push myself beyond my comfort zone. I cannot get comfortable because then I lose my edge, my zest for life.

Evaluating Myself

Talking to the career coach about my short-term and long-term goals has helped me a lot. Actually her objectivity confirmed what I have been feeling about obtaining my CPA, that it should be used to improve social condition such as assisting low-income people with filing their taxes through a financial literacy organization like America Saves. Right now, my focus is on MA in Economics and math. At age 29, I knew what I wanted to accomplish but never considered that I possessed an unusually high level of maturity. Sheesh! This was how I always thought so why question it?

She also gave me a copy of the Individualized Development Plan which outlined my short-term and long-term goals. Becoming a SES Economist was one of my long-term goals and even though achieving gs-14 level would take five years, I was up for the challenge. Maybe I chewed too much. Well, only Heaven knew, really! She commented on getting copy of the ZP-III Economist announcement to see what I needed to accomplish in order to secure this position. Great idea because I know that I can pair it with the IDP short-term goal and match my performance with what was required.

Furthermore, she talked about joining an organization to which I responded that I am a SGE member and its biennial conference occurs this month. The light bulb illuminated immediately because although the agency would not pay for SGE, it might pay for ASSA especially after being inducted into ODE! I will pay for SGE, attend and network.

And the Winner Is...

Great news: American Edmund Phelps won the Economics Nobel Prize! Thus far the Americans have swept this year’s Nobel Prize . His work enhances the Phillips Curve which will are now studying. I have emailed my professor regarding his view since she mentioned the Nobel last week.

Edmund Phelps work was regarding intertemporal responses which is in my Mankiw book. This in addition to the Nobel Prize’s Contributions to Macroeconomics gives me ample material to read and discuss for tomorrow’s class.

Once again, I am happy that the Americans are sweeping the competition thus far. It is a signal to our motivation and intelligence. Too often we tell ourselves that we lack the competitiveness to find new inventions. I know that I possess the brain power to become the first woman Nobel Economics recipient! I can feel it!

At the Fair

Attending the George Washington University School of International Affairs open house has reinvigorated my doctoral search and recommitted me to executing on my job. As the first visitor at the Ivy League table, I told the recruiter where I worked, he exclaimed “Wow!” His response made me think that working here is big time stuff! I will stay here for at least two years to solidify my resume and obtain my MA in Economics degree. I know feel that I will be selected to attend my favorite doctoral in economics program. It was also in attendance as well as two other Ivies (I hit all of those tables). USC had its new Public Diplomacy program on display (which was extremely cool!); plus I retrieved information from several other reputable schools. I left knowing that I too could compete with the rest of the world and the importance of studying statistics to increase my job productivity.

Advocacy

Advocacy: active support of an idea or cause etc.; especially the act of pleading or arguing for something

In six more hours, it will be all over! I am so ready for my holiday weekend to commence: I can write my autobiography, see movies, rest and relax, and unwind. I can see myself being more productive in a less stressful environment. And I will thoroughly enjoy it!

At age 29 year old with an MBA and Economist, I know that I have a story to tell. In the spirit of the midterm elections, I will do something to commemorate my tenth anniversary of voting. There is something to be said about having ten years’ voting experience under your belt and I am not thirty. This is a significant milestone. Participating in democracy allows me to stay engaged to current events. I do not understand how you not be informed?

Ambition

Ambition (n.) 1) strong desire for success, fame, power, wealth, etc. 2) the thing so desired.

This week the Nobel Prizes are being announced and thus far they have all been Americans which dispels the myth that we are not good in math or science. This further motivates me to learn math and to try harder in my studies to become the first female Nobel economics prize recipient. I know that I have what it takes to do it!

I successfully aced last night's exam by reviewing my answers and correcting multiple errors which would had hurt me badly. During the examination, Professor Johnson told the class that she would provide a formula sheet for the next test because there would be an abundance of them to learn. That remark spurred me into action because I wanted to cover sections 4.1-4.4 by Thursday’s class to ensure that I understood all of the material. Using my vacation time wisely would enable me to position myself to not only learn logarithms and trigonometry but also place me on track to excel on the CLEP precalculus and calculus exams.

The Skinny on Being Skinny

This whole I hate skinny people crazy is ridiculous. Sure, there are some anoxerics and bulimics but what society is not discussing is that we have a weight problem in America. Americans are getting fatter not skinner. I do not understand the constant slender bashing against those who are built this way!

My Thoughts about Moving Up the Food Chain

Today’s Wall Street Journal reports that college education influences them to become Republican by age forty struck a nerve with me. Is this the reason why my mother voted Republican (Honestly, I thought that she did that like so many other blacks were because they grew up on welfare). However, I cannot foresee myself voting Republican just because I earn more money because I have an internal need to give back to my community. If I hold onto my money then I am stingy and that benefits no one.

Blossom

Blossom (v.i): 1) to have or open into blossoms; bloom. 2) to begin to thrive or flourish; develop.

Even though I had looked this word about two weeks ago to assess my life’s progress, today a poem just popped into my head entitled, Blossom:

I am blossoming into the woman I want to see
The one I want to see
Confident in everything
Who values knowing something
Who is constantly changing

As I approach thirty (which will be next August 9th) I am examining my life’s work and contributions. Entering my fourth decade on this planet, now is the time to positively contribute to the community. I have done so in the past but during this decade I will increase my philanthropic output by donating time and effort to educational causes. By age forty, I will have accomplished the following:

Achieved a $1 million net worth by paying off credit card and student loan debts, contributing to my retirement savings and 401 (k) plans, and signing for a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year one

Earned a Ph.D. from an elite school by working, debt free by teaching online economics courses, and freelance writing

Found my own business by merging my online teaching profile with freelance writing and photography

Be married

Travel to Africa, attend an Olympiad, and return to London

Publish a book about my life’s work and contribution by age 30 and a travel writing book.

Obtain a CPA. I have an MBA why not go for it!

Abigail Trafford’s A Texas Trailblazer, an appreciation about the late Texas governor Anne Richards’s contribution to the women’s liberation movement. The reporter dubbed her as “the first wave of First and Only Women (FOWs) who defied female stereotypes and broke down the doors of the old-boy establishment.” Ann Richards was no ashamed to admit that she was an alcoholic and rose from this personal tragedy to become governor. Even though I was only 13 when Richards won the governorship, her presence loomed large for all women. I have pasted Abigail Trafford’s link here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/02/AR2006100201362.html

As the third wave of women in the workforce I understand that it is my duty to uphold the forbearers’ legacies and to not disappoint. That’s why I am adamant about pursuing higher education and being the best that I can be.

Breakthrough

Definition:An act of overcoming or penetrating an obstacle or resistance

Being accepted into Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international economics honor society, was a major breakthrough moment for me because this was the first time that I received this level of academic recognition. Upon graduation, I would be happy to don the honors regalia in the procession line! This announcement also confirmed my overachieving streak. I constantly wrestled with this label, because even though I worked extremely hard, and as a Type A personality demanded a lot out of myself and others, I neither crushed nor destroyed anyone in my path on my way towards accomplishing anything.

Ring The Alarm

Omg! The House just passed a measure where I would have to show identification in order to vote because of illegal immigration. Now Saturday I will have to go and get my new state id, but the war on voting rights is not over! I will email all of my US Senators about this. My goal is to ensure that civil rights will become a victim of the war on terror. Now it is high time to become vocal! I emailed four senators and the president because this matter to urgent to ignore!

Yesterday after work I went to the AU math lab to review my precalculus chapter 1 answers and second homework. The tutors were extremely helpful to me throughout the process. Since I must go to the metro station Sunday to renew my SmartBenefits, I might consider traveling to American to review my homework. In addition, a Wall Street Journal reporter emailed me to cite my email regarding her article. I was astounded when she proclaimed that I had “some good points.” I hoped to receive a copy! This positive response to writing an email gave me confidence to write my first Toastmaster speech. The introductory speech is about telling the group about myself. See it is all coming together!

While returning from my morning break, my boss informed me that there was a fire alarm so I would not be able to get in. Immediately I walked to the intersection on 15th and K Streets to read the Washington Post and enjoy the sunshine. I took in the fresh air freeing me from the daily pressures and read the paper all the while thinking that regardless of what happens, I'm getting anyway.

Bag Lady No More

Dear Carla:
You should stop being such a bag lady. Since you no longer have class on Monday, this frees up your Mondays and Fridays so why haul all of that stuff along with you?
Good point: Starting today I will no longer carry any unnecessary baggage from work to personal life. I really do not need those disks and besides, all I need is my lunch and a good book which I can wrap in another plastic bag.

Also within one month I will be enrolled in the debt repayment plan to boost my credit score to relocate back into Washington, DC. Dropping bad debt is a big thing for me because my credit score will skyrocket! Within ten months this will all be a memory!

Financial Empowerment Update

During these past two days, there have been a lot of financial activity that display the power of emergency savings and sound financial planning. Yesterday, I used the $250 savings to purchase my Thanksgiving plane ticket and to hail a cab after the AU-Tenleytown metro caught afire and became inaccessible. Even though the cabbie was a little loopy the ride home allowed me to think about the importance of my family.

Today I cashed the $40 money order refund for groceries and changed my bank information with FACTS to ensure a smooth withdrawal for the final community college tuition payment. Later in the day, I tried a third time to reach a creditor to obtain my most recent statement. After a roll, my statement collection activities seemed to crawl at a snail’s pace. Well, at least I know that come October everything will be set.

Good Timing

Yesterday I served as the timer for my first Toastmasters meeting and excelled at the position. I think that I will like participating in this organization because I get to hear many different viewpoints and improve my verbal communication skills. Since songwriting and book publishing are my favorite avocations, Toastmasters will help me master my craft.

Going Sideways to Get Ahead

I have been giving advice to Mr. Slowik who chronicles his job search at www.careerjournal.com. Today he discussed his job search and his interest in working with trusts and estates because of the human contact. Immediately I located the New York bar Association’s Trust and Estates Section, and emailed CareerJournal the link (the editor informed me that my response would be forwarded to Mr. Slowik). It amazes me how very little I know about law but how important it is help someone in need obtain objective advice!

This past Sunday I received the same advice from the math tutor in regards to micro. I dropped the course to focus on improving my math skills. I still will take the CLEP and have emailed my College Board guidance counselor regarding my intent to review CLEP material. Passing the CLEP calculus test is more of a personal victory than catching up (though that would be nice, too! However, improving my quantitative abilities has always been a priority!), because I am at a point in my life where completing my MA in Economics at age 30, in two years instead of one is not the end of the world. Matter of factly, it will represent the beginning of a new decade of promise.

This confession is astronomical coming from a Type-A person who has always completed degrees on time; however, working in my field as an economist affords me the privilege to sit back acquire experience then apply it to my education. Besides an MA is not a prerequisite for my career goal of obtaining a Ph.D. I already have a BA in International Economics plus I can earn my Doctor of Business Administration. Fretting too much about ticky-tack things such as this never is my strong suit to I'll just continue going sideways to get ahead.

The High Price of Education

Horoscope: Engage that cranium, but remember to check in with your heart on a regular basis. Otherwise, it can be all too easy to lose your sense of direction and forget what's really important. You need rationality and intuition.

After responding to Jay’s remark about Daniel Golden’s book entitled, The Price of Admissions, was anecdotal, I dissected my life and education. Though Jay graduate from Harvard, no slouch myself, I graduated Hiram College, James A. Garfield’s, the 20th US President alma mater; traveled to London and received my MBA on my 25th birthday and now at age 29 attending American University as a MA in Economics candidate. Not too many people under age 30 can admit to doing that. On top on these accomplishments, I work, in the same field as my degree, as an economist. I am privileged to be bestowed all of these opportunities because many people are not so blessed. This is exactly why Jay’s “anecdotal” comment bothers me so much.

It is imperative in the midst of the debate regarding college accessibility, that we care about how top-tier institutions allocate their resources. Today Harvard announced that it will eliminate its early admissions which benefits the upper class, but we need more discourse about a university , the oldest American college, in existence since 1636 and a nearly 100 million endowment needing “kickbacks”!

The Economics of Time and Money

Yesterday I discovered that excelling on the calculus CLEP test would allow me to take the mathematical economics course; thus, accelerating my graduation date from summer to spring! Testing out of calculus will allow me to take mathematical economics in spring. This is the sole core requirement under the general track; and, transferring six graduate credits from my MBA degree gives me an additional advantage. The fact that I can graduate a semester ahead of schedule reinforces the importance of doing well on all of my coursework. My goal is to earn an A in all three classes and to use micro as a stepping stone towards studying for the CLEP calculus test. Also, I will prepare for mathematical economics by purchasing the Schaum’s easy outline and workbook.

This discovery also produces enormous time and cost savings for me because I can earn my MA in Economics degree for the least amount of money! This is a core component of my financial empowerment plan: to save time and money and maximize my return.

More

I am ambitious I must admit
Working as an Economist at a prestigious agency
Plus I am enrolled in American because
I want more

More
Than what’s out there
What is average
I do not wish to stagnate
I learn everyday in every way

With every breath I carry my history
First generation college graduate twice over
Possessing a BA and an MBA by my 25th birthday
En route to obtain my second masters by my 30th

Yet I want more
I need a more meaningful purpose than just this rat race
That’s why I’ve created my own plan
Leaving my signature, my indelible mark

Because I need more

Light

Illuminating its brilliance everywhere
Without even a single solitary care
Dominating darkness it won’t share
As its rays reach out with their all-present glare
Transporting me over there
Alleviating my burdens to bear
There’s no fighting don’t even dare
Because light is illuminating its brilliance everywhere

Rising to the Challenge

Great news!: After going to the math lab I have a renewed sense of optimism that I will survive micro after all! This is huge because acing micro allows me to learn calculus on the fly while preparing for the CLEP exam. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test is an educational component of my financial empowerment plan. AU and NOVA accept the calculus test and by scoring 75 I will test out of my math requirement. Currently I am paying $1235 at NOVA because I am a out-of-state resident at Northern Virginia community college. Combining the $60 test fee and $75 administrative fee, my cumulative cost is $135, a lot cheaper than $1235 at NOVA or $3144 at AU. After pass the test, I might take statistics or calculus II to boost my mathematical aptitude; however, excelling the calculus test clears one more graduation hurdle and allows for free sailing into summer semester’s mathematical economics (maybe I could even take it during the spring semester if I ace the CLEP calculus test this December, thereby, accelerating my graduation date from summer to spring!

Having a tutor review my micro homework lifted a huge burden off of my shoulders! During last night’s session, I actually envisioned myself at age 30 with my MA in Economics degree from American University. The fact that many of my answers were right boosted my confidence immeasurably. Now I can relax and focus on learning the material, and preparing for the CLEP calculus exam. My goal is to take what I have learned from micro and apply it to the CLEP. I believe that learning calculus with taking precalculus accelerates my learning curve. If I can survive this, then I can thrive throughout the program.

Another bonus: DSST, another college equivalency test, offers statistics and the opportunity to test out of the course. That’s another cost savings of $1235. Of course, I emailed an administrator because my community college branch was not listed (Due diligence always!). However, there is a strong possibility that I could start next semester in calculus II! I am so happy about these developments!

More financial empowerment: Last week I opened a Upromise account to save for both my community college math classes and my Ph.D. studies which are two years away. Tough $50 is the minimum contribution, I will increase mine to $100 and use my raises to increase my allotments. Within two years, the minimum amount will be $2400 which is enough for books and research costs.

See there’s someone out there who understands me!

I’m not the only one who fully values the importance of education and my decision to transfer to American to complete my M.A. in Education! Earl G. Graves, Sr. Black Enterprise’s publisher, loudly affirmed in his September 2006 publisher’s page that “Giving Up on College Is Not an Option” Though I love my family, continuing my M.A. in Economics studies at American was indispensable towards achieving my long-term goal of earning a Ph.D. I, too, was hit with sticker shock after seeing American’s tuition cost at $1048 is the most in Washington, DC, but my employer paid for one class and loans covered the remainder. In addition, I have applied for scholarships on a weekly basis, will subscribe to the Foundation Center’s Grants for Individuals Online this Friday to obtain more funding sources, and will actively use my Arlington library card this Saturday to retrieve more scholarships.

The publisher reminisced on his college days at Morgan State where he attended school full-time and work numerous jobs to finance his education. At least I am lucky that my employer paid for one course and six of my MBA credits can be transferred, allowing me to receive my M.A. in Economics degree through part-time study. I am truly blessed to be in a position where I can pay out-of-pocket for my community college math lessons and still maintain a decent standard of living.

Quit is not in my vocabulary and honestly I cannot see myself with only one semester of education. Following through has always been my priority and I know that my sacrifice will help my children and grandchildren. My economist job and salary are the direct results of higher educational attainment. Without my BA, I would not have been an economist and without my MBA, I would not have commanded ZP-II; and, without a $45,000 salary, I could have forgotten about living in a decent apartment and saving for college. I would be robbing Peter to pay Paul. Mr. Graves is right by quoting the old adage of “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”

The Early Bird Chronicles: Entry 1

Starting this morning, I will chronicling awaking at 5:30am to work from 7:00am-4:30pm to attend my 5:30pm microeconomics class! This should be eventful!

I did it! I awoke at 5:30am and successfully commuted to my office. This is a very big accomplishment because right now I would just be awaking for my normal 8:30am commute. The good news is that I will not have to do this for two weeks because of Labor Day!

I am blogging last week’s happenings and this week’s first days of school at American University. Chronicling how early I must awake to follow through and obtain an education, allows me to track my progress. Blogging is extremely therapeutic because I cleanse my soul of everything that is bothering me.

Friday’s American University graduate orientations were okay. During the graduate economics orientation, I learned that I was the only working economist in both the M.A. and Ph.D. programs! This was a built-in advantage and confidence booster because no one could proclaim me incompetent. In addition, being an economist relieved all of the pressure to perform because grades do not determine whether or not I become an economist. However, as a driven, results oriented woman, I have set higher goals such as graduating with a 4.0 grade point average, receiving Omicron induction, improve my statistical software knowledge and publishing an article (the AEA will publish four new journals next January 2007 and I wish to submit my research). My status also brought me credibility whenever I wanted to have a professor chair my master thesis and independent economics research project. The academic adviser told me to build relationships this semester in order to accomplish all of my research endeavors. My goal is to do just that!

Last weekend while watching the news and stumbling over a NYTimes.com article about the city becoming an educated elite mecca, peaked my interest of securing a CPA license as a bullet-proof backup plan to move to New York and receive my Ph.D. in economics after working here for two years and earning my M.A. First I already have a BA and an MBA prior to relocating and a colleague told me in the galley about how he passed the CPA exam and took an accountant position with another division. Having received my MBA, I knew that I too could make this transition. In addition, NYC is the world’s financial capital and arriving there with two years’ work experience, a CPA license and two master degrees will only boost my profile.

Most of the middle-level, experienced accountants make over $100,000 which will be a big salary increase versus the District. Even though NYC has a higher cost of living, but even my after-tax income will still have more purchasing power than what I do now!

I feel that after landing this highly competitive economist job here (I had to obtain a BA in Economics and maintain a B average, complete the questionnaire, score high on the agency exam [which I took twice], and pay my own way to interview and ace the interview) that I can accomplish anything including acceptance into an Ivy League Ph.D. economics program.

Taking it All in Stride

• I am having a very good day especially after discovering that AU has a new business economics track which is right up my alley! This new track allows me to transfer all of my MBA credits while only taking four economics courses. Currently, I am enrolled in two of the four and next semester I will take master thesis and mathematical economics. This strategy allows me to graduate by spring instead of summer! Hot dog! Of course, I have devised a defense to ensure that the graduate economics department accepts my petition and have contacted another graduate school to take econometrics courses to save money and gain insight on how the government uses these figures. Building on the momentum of the department accepting my managerial accounting class, here are some other important points about transferring all of my MBA credits:
  
  
• Both universities are AACSB accredited institutions
• The economic coursework is rigorous and truly displays my objective of enhancing my mathematical aptitude.
• Macro, micro, master thesis, and mathematical economics
• Econometrics will be taken during either the spring or the summer

The Power of the Charlie Face

Last night’s precalculus class was a world of fun and I believe that after the “smiling Charlie Brown face” that I will excel at math! During the factoring review, the professor drew a four curves, two upper, two lower, which coincidentally symbolized the Charlie Brown face (though she did not know if the two lower curves were either his nose or his chin!) That was the first time that I heard this version of the FOIL method!

Review and Appreciation for Black Women's Lives

Reading Black Women’s Lives inspired me to write a chapter about my life which I entitled, the Academician, describing my affinity for educational achievement.

Completing my M.A. in Economics has been on the forefront ever since arriving in Washington, DC to work as an Economist. Though this objective will initially cost money rather than make money, obtaining my degree was still mandatory, an indispensable element that signaled accomplishment. I already have an MBA but I have never ever not follow through and complete something. Especially regarding education, because without it I would not be a ZP-0110-02 Economist earning a decent living. Instead I would earn a meager wage as a ZP-01 Economist.
Arriving at this point in my journey towards attaining a Ph.D. in economics and business administration, owning my own home and becoming the first black woman Fortune 500 CEO of a wholly-owned corporation. Having successfully transferred from CSU to AU while maintaining the same graduation date, is the first step in the right direction. However, this time there is more on the agenda than just studying. I want to upgrade my skills through the Social Science Lab which offers tutorials and workshops in SAS, SPSS, STATA, SPLUS, EVIEWS, GAUSS, and LIMDEP. Having acquired working knowledge of these software programs will surely boost my professional profile!

This time it is different because I am determined to excel. All I have to depend upon is myself. There is not anyone else who is here in my immediate family to bail me out of anything (not that I am criminal minded anyway!) I truly believe that within one year, I will have earned my degree, received a grade promotion, relocate to Washington, DC and payoff the majority of my bills. Envisioning this life with a decent paycheck was unfathomable even four months ago, but now that I have been here for over three months, the reality has not overwhelmed me at all! Now more than ever, I am focused on securing my pay-for-performance raise, attaining my MA in Economics degree, digging myself out of debt and saving for retirement.

Mid-August Financial Empowerment

Everything has fallen into place today. The community college processed my tuition payment allowing me to enroll this fall. The Human Resources officer approved my training justification and it should reach American by either today or tomorrow! Yes, I am so happy because now all I have to finance is the other half. That makes both me and my wallet feel better. Earlier, I submitted an email proclaiming why I should win the Special Opportunity Award (I am already Economist so your risk would be zero!) to the academic advisor. Hopefully, all of this would be processed before Friday. Also, I opened a new student checking account today thus setting the wheels in motion to switch from my current bank to my new bank. The proximity will provide more opportunity to discuss my situation with the financial specialist, thereby, receiving insider information.

My 29th Birthday and personal evolution

Wednesday was my twenty-nineth birthday. During that day I reflected upon the massive changes that taken place in my life this year. I went from unemployed residing with my mother to working as an Economist in the capital city, attending an MA in Economics program, and traveling down the road of financial prosperity. Everything that I have been taught has helped me immeasurably and I learned more about myself and my resiliency and the importance of having faith regardless of the situation.

I watched Little Miss Sunshine, a hilarious movie about Olive, an eight-year old overweight beauty queen participant, who aspires to win the Little Miss Sunshine pageant and all of her dysfunctional family members. I laughed so hard that I had to take over my glasses twice and by the end of the movie, snot came of out my nose (I had a tissue!). This was the first time in years that I thoroughly enjoyed a movie. The young actress who portrayed Olive, should win an Oscar! Afterward, I ate the Louisiana Devil Meal at Georgia Brown soul-food restaurant off of McPherson Square. The shrimp and Maryland crab cakes were magnificent as was the berry dessert. The best moment of the day occurred when I secured an apartment while at the restaurant (I took the phone call to the lobby). Sealing that deal, placed me on a positive path for the entire year.

This was the first time that I actually looked forward toward being thirty, towards being older because I wanted to experience and witness more. Now I have the opportunity to do so and will not miss out on anything!

Experience

T.D. Jakes book, Mama Made the Difference, is a wonderful read and I have only completed the second chapter. I guess the combination of receiving my birthday from mom acknowledging that I have followed my own path by relocating from Cleveland to Washington, DC to become an economist with reading T.D. Jakes book, has inspired me to become greater.
I can recall even ninety days ago when I landed in Washington, DC, when the county informed me that my last check would be mailed to me and my account bounced that I could had never made it out of this; but, I managed to replenish my bank account, to pay off bad debt, transfer to another graduate economics program and maintain the same graduation date, and have my employer pay for one course, thereby, reducing my indebtedness. Within twenty-four hours, I will arrive in Arlington, VA, for the next leg of my journey and within another ninety days is my pay-for-performance review. If I could make it through these ordeals unscathed then I should be okay for the next ninety days, one-hundred eighty days and even one year.

Don't Quit

This is some added inspiration.

When things go wrong as they sometimes will.
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill.
When funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about.
When he might have won had he stuck it out:
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far:
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.- Author unknown

Equipment

While reading The Reverend T.D. Jakes new book, Mama Made the Difference, I stumbled upon Edgar A. Guest's poem entitled, Equipment:

Figure it out for yourself, my lad.

You’ve got all that the greatest of men have had,

Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,

And a brain to use if you would be wise.

With this equipment they all began,

So start for the top and say, "I Can."

Look them over, the wise and the great,

They take their food from a common plate,

And similar knives and forks they use,

With similar laces they tie their shoes.

The world consider them brave and smart,

But you’ve got all they had when they made their start.

You can triumph and come to skill,

You can be great if you only will.

You’re well equipped for the fight you choose,

You have arms and legs and a brain to use.

And the man who has risen great deeds to do,

Began his life with no more than you.

You are the handicap you must face,

You are the one who must choose your place,

You must say where you want to go,

How much you will study the truth to know.

God has equipped you for life, but He

Lets you decide what you want to be.

Courage must come from the soul within,

The man must furnish the will to win.

So figure it out for yourself, my lad,

You were born with all the great have had,

With your equipment they all began.

Get hold of yourself, and say: "I Can."

Book Review: The Promise by Oral Lee Brown

Her memoir about adopting a first-grade class in East Oakland and promising to send every child to college in 1987 was then a daunting and then unimaginable task. Though most people wanted her to fail, Mrs. Brown managed to save $10,000 annually to send nineteen of the twenty-three children to college. Some even attended graduate school but most importantly, all became productive citizens. Many of these children came from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds yet persevered and obtained a college education.

The most inspiration tale was the children’s but of Oral herself. The combination of her financial shrewdness, discipline and encouragement ensured success for them. Born in Batesville, Mississippi in the 1940s, Oral’s parents were only a handful of blacks who owned their own farm. In addition, she picked 50 pounds of cotton for $2.00 a day. She witnessed first hand brutality by the county sheriff against her brother and saw how her father told the NAACP that he wouldn’t press charges for fears that the police would kill his entire family. Afterward, vowed after that incident to never live in fear.

Moving to New York City at age twelve to help care for her older sister’s children, Oral lived in a city were there wasn’t any segregation then at age twenty after much prodding from her two brothers, relocated to East Oakland. During her career she graduated from college through Blue Cross’ continuing education program and started her own real estate company. She used her profits from the company to finance the children’s education. The remarkable thing for me was her financial savvy. Wary of going to the financial market, she opened a personal trust account with a 1999 maturity date at her bank so that her $10,000 could earn a higher interest rate with additional risk. Her concerns were confirmed when the stock market declined in 2000. That financial information gave me much needed insight on how I could earn a higher rate without going to the market.

Reading her autobiography inspired me to soar higher than before because I never had her experiences but always felt that education was critical towards my success. Look no further than today’s economy where a BA is an entry-level requirement for a menial paying job or the state colleges raising their tuition. Though I have an MBA and BA to earn a decent living and pay out of pocket for community college and state college courses, many do not. That is why immediately after receiving acceptance from the MA economics program, I recommitted myself towards discipline by enhancing my personal and professional lives by using my upcoming off day to tour colleges and retrieve information, buying a first day of school outfit the exudes professionalism and an eagerness to learn, purchasing all of my textbooks and reading them in advance to ensure that I achieve a 4.0 grade point average, and applying for scholarships to reduce my tuition. Oral Lee Brown’s story of compassion, hope and goodwill has inspired me to do better in my own life; thus, The Promise, is an excellent read.

Graduate acceptance

American University has unofficially accepted me into its MA in Economics program! Tomorrow the chair will sign my paperwork and after my GRE test scores arrive, it will become official! Receiving acceptance into this school is a crucial part of my financial empowerment plan because securing a graduate economics degree would supply the skills set to command a higher salary during next year’s annual review. Also, acceptance represents the tenacity that I possess the follow through and complete whatever I finish. The best part is that my graduation date remains unchanged: August 2007.

Upon receiving this good news, I purchased the black newspaper where on the front page reported that city's public HBCU increased its undergraduate tuition from $75 to $95 per credit hour. That $20 hike placed many residents at a disadvantage. Many students lack the income to afford this. However, the paper also mentioned a rumor that the city government’s reduction in support was an indicator that the public HBCU location on choice NW real estate would move to SE. Let’s hope not.

On a brighter note, I emailed the financial aid counselor to obtain information that would alleviate paying. Come May 2007, I would officially become a resident; thereby, qualifying me for the LEAP program which provides financial support during the fall 2007 semester. During the summer, I would apply for the $500 institutional grant to ensure that my bill would zero. You cannot beat that!

Reassurance

This morning I feel so calm, unnerved by anything even the fact that my blouse was turned inside out. It is probably a result of knowing that all of my bills are paid and that my landlady will return my $400 deposit and that though I have two scheduled apartment showings many more are popping up this morning. And, I am grateful to have the money to relocate, make deals and still live comfortably. The frigid air of despair and potential homelessness has dissipated because I know that I will find an apartment to my liking.

Reading two major bloggers reinvigorated my book publishing aspiration and scoring a 4.8 out of 6.0 on the GRE analytical writing assessment only fueled my fire. My desire derived from the need to put of positive energy in an increasingly negative, polarized environment. And having relocated from Cleveland to Washington provided more than enough material to publish.

Counting Coins

An abundance of good financial news has come my way since yesterday. My student loan consolidation has been approved and though the first repayment starts mid-August , I will notify the lender that I have transferred to another graduate school, thereby continuing my deferment. Also the community college transcripts arrive and I have decided that after completing my precalculus class at a metro DC area community college that I will transfer to state college because I would have achieved one year residency in Washington, DC then I will transfer my mathematics credits since it is much cheaper. An added bonus would be if the university allows me to pay undergraduate tuition for my math classes that would yield an even bigger cost savings because the state college's tuition rate for three credit undergraduate course is $270 while the graduate tuition rate is $675. That's a $405 difference!


There is more good news. Even though my bank cannot locate my money order, it has told me to take my receipt and money order to the post office to trace it which I will do. Since both items at home, tracing my money order should be a synch. Next time use the official bank envelopes so that there will be mishaps.

Greater news: The apartment manager has called human resources to confirm my employment thus allowing me to move in August.

Communicating Patience

Horoscope:
Communication snafus have been everywhere, but all that's due to change. The stars agree to leave you alone if you've learned your lesson about the methods you use to get your message across.

I scored a 4.8 on the computer generated GRE informative essay! Had I wrote about the topic how writing was a skill that should be taught, my score would had been higher. However, this was confirmation that I could score a 6 on my essay! This reassured me that come Monday I would land in the top percentile.

College Education Announcement

I am posting an email that I have received about Knoxville College, a historically black college located in Knoxville, Tennessee, reducing its tuition from $5000 to $1400 for college students. This is a steal in times of rising college costs!

Historically black KnoxvilleCollege, in east Tennessee, has reduced its tuition from $5,000 to $1,400 per student including room, board, and books! All you need is $600 for the enrollment deposit and $800 can be paid in four monthly installments of $200 each. The program is funded by corporate sponsors and guarantees a college education where students graduate debt free. Enrollment requirements include a high school diploma and a 2.0/4.0 scale. If your student has below a 2.0, but you know they are college material, they may be considered provided they get three letters of recommendation. For educators who will support their potential, all interested students must immediately contact the admissions office at KnoxvilleCollegeby dialing 1-800-743-5669 or by applying on line at: www.knoxvillecollege.edu

Aspire

Aspire (intransitive verb)
1 : to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal 2ASCEND,SOAR - as·pir·er noun

I have completed four geometry chapters and have researched many of the polyhedra with ease that it amazes me. During the diversity seminar, I summed up why I aspire to be great:

After reviewing both the math and writing tutorials, I confidently feel that I will score 710 because these exercises have improved my analytical aptitude and my writing skills. One thing is for sure: my score will not be 440!

Deep down inside I know that I am the crème of the crop and possess both the drive and the intelligence to be in society’s upper echelon and putting in hard work will help me get ahead. Continuing my MA in Economics is proof positive of the discipline that I possess and my objectives are to strengthen my economic research skills, expand my network, secure a research assistantship or fellowship and beef up my math skills.

Develop

Develop (verb) 1 a : to set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail : EXPOUND b : to make visible or manifest c : to treat (as in dyeing) with an agent to cause the appearance of color d : to subject (exposed photograph material) especially to chemicals in order to produce a visible image ; also : to make visible by such a method e : to elaborate (a musical idea) by the working out of rhythmic and harmonic changes in the theme2 a : to work out the possibilities of b : to create or produce especially by deliberate effort over time 3 a : to make active or promote the growth of b (1) : to make available or usable (2) : to make suitable for commercial or residential purposes c : to move (as a chess piece) from the original position to one providing more opportunity for effective use4 a : to cause to unfold gradually b : to expand by a process of growth c : to cause to grow and differentiate along lines natural to its kind d : to become infected or affected by 5 : to acquire gradually intransitive verb

Right now I am developing my personal and professional talents to ensure that I excel in this world. I know that I am such a go-getter with my now attitude, however, I refuse to apologize for my results-oriented attitude. Even though I arrived in Washington, DC this May, I still want to graduate with my Masters in Economics by next August. According to my track record of earning an MBA in eighteen months, this is achievable. Besides by completing macro and micro in Cleveland, math would be my only focus, thereby, allowing me to focus on my core requirements. Cost is the only thing with me because after attending a state university, I might be forced to enroll at a private university with a $1000+ per credit hour tuition rate. Ouch! Or I might have to temporarily surrender my comp day and revert back to the standard 5-day work schedule to attend another college to save $275 per credit hour. However, as always, I have incorporated searching for awards, grants, prizes and scholarships to reduce cost.

Economizing degree costs are essential especially since these loans aren't consolidated. My objectives are winning $5000 in scholarship money, garnering a research fellowship, and saving a percentage of my income to attend debt-free. Immediately upon receiving my acceptance letter, I will discuss obtaining a stipend to reduce my tuition. Hey, if a university gives students research and teaching assistantships to become economist and I am an economist then securing funding should be no problem!

Since my employer might pay for one course and I am paying for pre-calculus, fall’s total bill will be $7336! Whoopee! I am so happy right now because that means that I can afford this university. Okay I feel much, much better. I will still apply for scholarships to reduce tuition costs and seek any cost-cutting measure available to earn the highest quality degree and the lowest price!

Educationally and Financially Fit

I have successfully landed an apartment, disputed a restaurant charge and made it through the week! Yes, I have spent beyond my means this pay but the circumstances are one-time and will never happen again. I’m moving into an apartment and that requires application and holding fees, transportation costs associated with this endeavors, writing checks to get out of debt and purchasing a pair of new shoes because my old pair has a hole. There will be more one-time charges such as the community college application fee, applying to another graduate school and moving costs.

My financial meeting went well because enrolling in the program saved me over $225! This windfall allowed me to pay out of pocket for my community college course. Yesterday the Assistant Dean of Math approved of my enrolling in precalculus. Now I will contact her about online class and receiving assistance at her campus. I need to pass this class in order to take calculus.

In ten days I will ace the GRE and the online the prewriting course blew me away! My answers weren’t anything like the test’s. I guessed that because I disliked talking a lot, my communication style was less expressive. However, learning to expand my vocabulary and create transition would be integral towards scoring 6.0 on the GRE. Completing lessons 1 and 2 has helped me improve my writing (Writing a persuasive email to a Senator DeWine also helps enhance my skills! ). My goal is to improve my writing over the weekend, take the GRE practice test on Monday and score higher!

Try Again

I was denied the apartment because of my bad credit which is scary because I do not want to pay my landlady $925! However, I do have some options which I just located off of craigslist.org. Walking to the hotdog stand cleared my mind because I almost cried from rejection even though resident manager urged me to not be discouraged!

The other apartments has a one-bedroom for $795 located in Suitland, Maryland. Also I have located a nearby apartments to review them also. If I am approved for the first apartment then I will move there Thursday. Go get my stuff and roll because it costs $130 less than paying her. However, I will conduct due diligence by inquiring about how residing out of Washington, DC would affect my paycheck.

Okay. I did not know that how loud I was talking because a colleague came across the hall to show me how to locate the house on Google Maps. It felt a little like the Careerbuilder.com commercial where the lady says “even my boss asked me how my job search went” but applied to apartment hunting. Dang! However, I did receive some great advance and wonderful information for next time.

My last financial literacy meeting is today and though the news is disparaging at least it is a lesson that I will take with me.

Stepping Up

Horoscope:
Quickie:The details matter, especially right now, so don't lose focus on the little stuff.

For Monday, July 10 -They say the devil's in the details, and that is especially true today. To avoid all unsound temptations that may flirt with you during the day, stay on top of the details. It sounds a lot simpler than it is, so if it takes a while to get the lay of the land, don't be surprised. Give yourself the time you need to get your bearings and put things in the right places. You know the right way to do things, so go with what feels correct. Your instincts are on target.

I am going for it! During lunch I will submit my Empire application along with my cover letter, paystubs, IRS tax return and $25 fee and hope for the best. I refuse to pay $925 and use another paycheck to look for another apartment during the same month. My first check has cleared and I still have enough money to cover the move-in fee and first month’s rent. I am going for it today because if I get accepted I can move in Thursday. Also I know where I stand. Even though I could have done this last week, I waited to know my credit score. Upon receiving confirmation that though my credit score was abysmal I would be accepted to rent because of my “good job” from a credit counselor, bolstered my confidence to step out once again on faith and see if it is my time. However, I refuse to idly sit on the sidelines regarding my life. It is time to take control of this matter ASAP!

If I can move out this week, then I can have my July 17th check all to myself. Plus August’s rent will be prorated so instead of $1040 it’ll be $720, yielding a $205 cost savings! Thereby, making it cheaper than signing a 12-month lease :)

I am okay with sleeping on the floor for two days until my paycheck arrives and I can purchase a bed, television and microwave. Besides, I am not homeless and I have a lot of blankets to keep me warm. If my application is accepted, I tell my mother to hold sending my pots and pans until I obtain my new address. This is about respect and I cannot live in an environment which will continually flood.

I will check in after lunch to update my audience about the decision. Wish me luck!

All in a Day's Work

My cell phone was located. My frantic mother sent me three emails (knocking off the poor children who were having fun visiting Myspace at the county library to email me.) about it. Coincidentally, I felt at ease because it was only my cell phone not my wallet. Besides nothing big was schedule for the weekend so I could have slept all I want. However, I am ecstatic to have received it back because filing a police report is embarrassing!

The Fourth of July Weekend in Review

Lucky me I had five days off to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday!

During this Fourth of July holiday weekend, I attended both the 40th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the grand reopening of the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. A shuttle operated between the two events, and I ate at Cafe New Orleans on the Mall, watched passerbyers and enjoyed the sunshine. Personally, the American President paintings were the hallmark of the institution because it was comprehensive. Every president from George Washington to George Bush was featured. Having viewed the First Ladies exhibit at the American History Museum, the art museum's offering was perfectly complementary. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed Americans Now, photographs about living Americans and the McEvoy Auditorium performances. They ranged from the Harmony Singers, a barbershop singing collective to Los Quetzales, a Mexican Dance Troupe to a brother and sister storytelling duo. Also at the Luce Foundation Center, I saw William Johnson's paintings and saw staff preserve portraits and photographs. In addition, I participated in the treasure hunt where I had to locate six artworks, get my pamphlet stamped then proceed to the Target tent to receive my free gift, a Target dog complete with a tiny Velcro backpack. How cute!

Yesterday I attended the Independence Day Parade on Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. The entire event was magnificent especially the floats. However, I was a little disappointed because though I brought two disposable cameras, I quickly ran out of films. However, I took full advantage of my five-day weekend, immersing myself culturally, resting, reflecting and just plain having fun!

These five days offered a welcome respite from apartment hunting which zapped me of my energy and made me sweat profusely (My apartment flooded last week.) However, I was happy to at least obtain some market quotes and meet some people in the industry. Right now relocation will be deferred until August when my lease expires because the combination of application fee, deposit and first month’s rent was too burdensome to overcome on one paycheck; however, this window offers an array of opportunities to obtain a downtown apartment for less money.

Adventures from Rockville Pike

Today is the second software class and the instructor is breezing through 10-15 pages of exercises to meet a deadline! Yikes and this is only the first day. At the afternoon class I will try to save the software to a disk to practice because she's blowing right past me!

Wet and Wild Weekend

Yesterday evening while watching the Florida Marlins shut out the New York Yankees, my apartment flooded. The water rushed in knocking open the screen and unlocked door. The sudden rush of water, mud and debris scared me so much that I ran up a flight a stairs and called for my landlady who unplugged the clogged drain and swept out all of the water. Earlier today she said that she would rent a wetvac from a tool store to dry my carpet. Mother Nature's force was so unsuspecting that it took me by surprise! At least no of my items were affected which was okay.

Across the Board Respect

This morning in the shower something clicked within my brain: with two more weeks and one more paycheck before July 5th that I could establish a payment plan and enroll in a community college. Unbeknownst to me some of my best ideas come while in the shower because there is no stress and I start off fresh without any problems. Little did I know what would unfold at the departmental cross-cultural seminar.

This morning’s cross-cultural instructor astounded, encouraged and provoked my thinking to enhance and excel in an increasingly global workforce and society without prejudging and discriminating against any other. Her life was prolific: A black female baby boomer serving as active military; traveling to far distant places such as Japan, England, etc.; managing a family; earning an MBA and continues teaching others at Montgomery College, the local community college. It literally blew me away! She possessed a dynamic personality which was immediately felt as she greeted everyone with a handshake and introduced herself. The seminar was thoughtful by providing positive and realistic solutions regarding cross-cultural solutions as well as dissected and reexamining generational differences. As a 28-year-old she was the first person to say that my generation, which she labeled the Boomerangers, because though we received a college education would return home to reside with our parents, comprised of the best thinkers and were the most educated and technologically savvy people in the office. We didn’t need computer lessons, learned extremely quickly and demanded respect and results. Respect is the main word she stamped into our minds over and over again because truly that what understanding different cultures is all about in the first place. Throughout the seminar all of my accomplishments came back to me: attaining both a BA and an MBA; graduating from high school with Honor Spanish V and Honors English IV; traveling to London as the only Northerner on a southern university program (that was intra-cultural and inter-cultural shock at times); relocating from Cleveland to Washington, DC and making decent middle-class money; and, am in the process of continuing my MA in Economics degree because discipline and follow-through are very important to me.

Ms. Middleton also told the class about her presentation at the United Nations and how she met children throughout the world who knew four to five different languages (Well, at least I knew two and will be learning another two through either a cultural learning center or an agency). She also asked the Secretary if there were programs created here to which he didn’t provide a real answer. She admonished the US school system that except for the Chicago public school system for not teaching American children foreign languages. When she asked did she know of anyone whose children attended a public school system reminiscent to her example, only I rose my hand; and, secretly thought that I knew children twenty years ago studying Chinese. Heck, I took Spanish. Learning another language was nothing new but I noticed that foreign language instruction was reserved for honor students only.

Take Five

Right now with all of the time commitments: working a 8:30-6:00 compressed schedule to free up Mondays, the financial literacy meeting after work, and two morning department seminars, it is time to take a breather and rededicate myself towards mental renewal by reading the library books I withdrew last Saturday. It has been nearly four days and except for carrying Bliss to work during my commute (but never read), I haven’t really made a dent. However, it is high time to reclaim me-time, you know the lunchtime and morning and afternoon breaks legally allotted during the day to employees. For a moment, student loan consolidation, whether my Intermediate Algebra book will be mailed, updating my wardrobe and acing the GRE will take a back seat to reading a book in the lunchroom.

Rejuvenation and reconsideration

Rejuvenated from my three-day weekend, I am full of energy and vitality! Currently contemplating whether or not I should attend either Howard or American, I am rigorously researching both programs to evaluate which is the better fit with my career goals. Howard University has more math courses which is okay except graduating within one year is my goal. I have discarded trying to graduate by age thirty. My objective is to complete one chapter (masters) while opening another chapter (doctoral) school; however, I also acknowledge that my math skills are less than desirable so taking pre-calculus and calculus are priority.


Idea: Maybe instead of trying to compete and race around like a chicken with my head cut off, I should just pace myself by taking the math course first. These courses are extremely important to me. More so than trying to cram all of the other economics courses, besides I can audit econometrics and mathematical economics is offered both semesters so I will graduate. In addition, with the consortium, I can take the advanced statistics course in the spring ensuring that I will graduate on time.

In the meantime, I will just focus on exceling at my job and learning as much as humanly possible during my upcoming training session.

Decisions, decisions

I am on day twenty-eight of the thirty day journal assignment given by the life coach at my MBA membership meeting. Since that meeting that a lot has happened to me from a bounced check resulting from my former employer mailing my last check instead of directly depositing it into my account; receiving a letter that my mother mailed me regarding my acceptance into another DC university’s graduate economics program; displaying determination by attending a users group meeting against the wishes of some; and, getting the hang of both my job and Washington, DC. These experiences made me grow into a much better person; the next thirty days will bring more decisions to made from which school to attend; whether I remain at my residence and return home for my birthday; taking the GRE; and establishing an emergency fund. This writing exercise has helped me put my feelings into clear, concise thoughts. My brain is no longer jumbled because all of my thoughts flow.

Weekday Planner

Great news! My emails are being returned at a rapid clip! Finally, other agencies are providing disaster relief information so that now I can compile data for my components. Also since my boss is extremely quiet today, this is a good omen that attending tomorrow’s meeting is still in the cards. Attending this meeting is big because first it is located off of the red line meaning no transfers! Second, I am out of the office for half of the day (No lugging that big carry-on around. Also I will purchase lunch outside today. . Third, learning about the agency software will be great for me since next week is my first course.

More good news: the not-profit financial management corporation has emailed its money management workshop flyer (which I quickly confirmed because home ownership is in my future!). Also while visiting the Internet, learned that my first credit report is free. During lunch, I will purchase one.


Health note: Breakfast is important (but so is sleep!). It is important to strike a balance between the two so starting Tuesday, I will eat breakfast. The meal doesn’t have to be grandiose just peanut butter and toast. Anything to get me started every morning. In addition, since the NBA finals will not start until Thursday, I will go to sleep around 10:30-11:00 every night to awake well-rested. Also I need to purchase more nourishment for lunch because a sandwich and a TV dinner do not seem to be working for my stomach. This week my grocery list will contain fruits, chicken, steak, shrimp, salad, barbecue sauce, Lawry’s seasonal salt and juice to wean me off of soda.

GRE: I will be back at it tonight. Analytical writing is this week’s focus and with everything going on here in DC, there is enough fodder to never run out. My goal is to still score 710 on the exam.

F.E.A.R.

F.E.A.R.

For
Everything
A
Reason


I am in this city alone because I have willed myself to have a better job and more opportunity. I felt that I deserve better. Why scrap as a lowly county employee for $11 an hour when I have an MBA when I can earn twice as much doing something in my profession! Even though things are extremely slow right, I have taken the initiative to participate in outside activities that will boost my job knowledge because I really want to excel! I have the skills but more importantly the heart to know that this is my calling. I like adding numbers and reading in between the lines.

Case in point: I reside on the DC/Maryland border and almost everyday some migrant workers sit on the curb awaiting their ride. I never experienced this while in Cleveland! People pass by as if there is no problem (I’ve made it my goal to speak to them because I find it alienating to not acknowledge someone.) I often wonder about their lives because it was only three weeks ago that I was in another city; two weeks ago that my checking account bounced because my former employer mailed my last payroll check instead of directly deposited it into my account; and one week ago got lost trying to commute to work; However, I emerged from all of these potential downers stronger than ever and am intent upon leaving my mark in my profession, this city and the world.

Writing this blog accomplishes my mission by allowing me to document, evaluate and assess my feelings. Maintaining decency and decorum have always been the pillars of my page because there are enough voyeuristic, egomaniac people cluttering the blogosphere that my contribution must be positive. In addition, there have not been any real accounts about Generation Y professional living and I wish to participate in this discussion. Upon my arrival to Washington, DC, though there are a lot of young professionals under thirty, the majority work in support positions. Here at my employer, forty-two is the average age. At age 28, it can be downright depressing at times. Being under thirty cuts me off from some of the activities. I feel like I am 17 all over again! This age imbalance carries over into the professional organizations because although the young professionals are in my age group, most are not professionals but support workers. However, I use my age as motivation to accomplish everything and anything by age 30, 35 and 42.

Right now I am amassing my collection of thoughts, essays and poems into a book because I have been feeling one for quite some time. It will include some of my pictures, essays about my travels, blog entries and, of course, some new experiences courtesy of my relocation. Regardless, of what topics are covered this journey has taught me never to fear the unknown or the unexpected.

The Next Phase

Hello everyone in the blogosphere! After a three-week hiatus, I must update everyone on my transition from Cleveland, Ohio to Washington, DC. I have landed firmly on my feet with a full-time job and am settling this summer for a basement apartment in NW Washington, DC; however, after three months I’m probably moving because my entrance is right next the rose bushes and I am always fighting gnats and giant flies. The area is extremely upscale but I refuse to inherit a bug problem to stay there!

Also I am studying to take the GRE but I haven’t really adjusted to relocation so I do not know if I want to receive my MA in Economics. I have headaches and at times have been lethargic as if all of my energy has been zapped. Hopefully, by the end of August I will receive a jolt because right now I feel spent (Watching the NBA conference finals and not receiving eight hours of sleep might be the culprit also.) Solving the test’s quantitative section made me realize that I needed to learn the basic geometry formulas to improve my math score by 8 points; thereby, ensuring that my goal of scoring 710 is achieved.

Good news! The DC Library has learn-a-test which allows me to study for the GRE exam. The database also has algebra and geometry practice tests which I will take full advantage of to boost my score!

There have been wonderful moments in Washington, DC. The Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue was magnificent. After Monday’s festivities I vowed to attend the Fourth of July and Labor Day parades and to bring extra film to capture every moment! That experience made me want to explore the city more often and with no school this summer, the city is my oyster! This week I will go out and take in the city by attending some museums and art galleries. There is an abundance of things to do here. Why stay trapped in the basement!

Terrific Thursdays

Viewing my student record, my professors gave me an A in music and a B- in microeconomics (which was okay but next time I take it the grade would be an A). Now I await my macro grade which is probably a B+/A-.

I only have one more day until I am officially no longer an Information Processor! I am so psyched! Within 72 hours I will be working as an Economist in Washington, DC. The landlady finally processed my check and I am ecstatic to remain within my budget. Now that’s willpower and self-control which will be applied to my next job as an economist.

Review to Renew

Forty-five minutes ago I froze while taking my macroeconomics final. The macroeconomic model of real gdp, consumption, and private and public savings kicked my butt. After answering all of the questions, I thoroughly reviewed each problem and re-calculated the equations to verify the correct answer and changed about seven of my answers. Redrawing the models enhanced my understanding of macroeconomy. Good thing too because next week I will be doing this for real as an economist. Upon submitting my final to the professor I thanked him for providing me with the transfer payment knowledge to secure an economist job in Washington, DC. After a lengthy discussion about Social Security and transfer payments he wished me luck. His class was extremely informative regardless of whatever other classmates proclaimed about both this course and Cleveland State University! This education landed a real-world job! I was happy about my return on investment :)

All is better on the university front because the economics advisor replied that I didn’t have to take the GRE while simultaneously compiling my application. And both of my CSU recommenders would also serve as my transfer university recommenders. Now all I have to do is study for the test. Even though I am tired from two grueling days of finals, I will at least make the effort of reviewing the sample GRE exam that I downloaded off of the Internet (Hey, it’s free!)

Thursday my foci will be: tying up all loose ends; preparing to move; and studying for the Intermediate Algebra final. The professor said that I had an A going into the final and if I did well I’d receive an A. I refuse to allow logarithm to deter me from that!

Let the Countdown Begin!

It takes effort to be happy, but it can be done. A certain outcome may seem preordained, but is that really the case? Try seeing the opportunities that are present in the situation, and you could change everything.- Horoscope

I was amazed how easy my microeconomics final was. It took me only ten minutes to answer thirty questions proof that studying, solving the study guide and writing down definitions of words that I did not understand helped me immeasurably! I feel so sure that finally I broke through and scored my first A. Afterward I picked my extra credit assignment and homework. Those points would boost my grade also. After resting, I will pick up where I left off with macro. My goal is to score an A especially since my economist job’s focus is macroeconomics. I am so psyched that it is almost over that I could hardly contain myself!

More good news: Yesterday my landlady emailed to notify me that I could move in this Sunday! That saved me $99.99 hotel fee which was reallocated towards my move. Since DC has a higher cost of living, the money would come in handy!

Two Weeks and Counting

In two more weeks, I will be in Washington, DC at American University; however, the financial aid progress has been moving at a snail’s pace because my aid counselor is very elusive. I have been unable to contact him since he left a voicemail last Thursday. This is crazy! One of the other counselors told me that my financial aid ward letter should be arriving this week; but, it is just too close for comfort. All I want is some stability for Chrissakes!

Tomorrow is the May primary where I will exercise my right to franchise. All I have are two more weeks!

Transform. Transcend. Advance

Transform: 1) to change the form or appearance of 2) to change the condition, character, or function. 5) in physics, to change (one form of energy) into another.

During these past two weeks I have witnessed my own personal and professional transformations right before my eyes. I have gone from a woman with a dream to being on the precipice of actually living it. Throughout this process I have transformed negativity into positivity. This has been hard because it forces me to confront some of my issues such as pride, insecurity and impatience (well, I am still working on this!) The BEA interviews help me realize the benefits of not just acknowledging but proactively changing my behavior. If I hadn’t swallowed my pride and resided in the dorm that I would had never discovered my own personal strength. It took a lot because perception used to be everything to me. More importantly I had to confront my math fears head on because I came to the point where the unknown would not suck the life of my economist dreams. Thus far I scored 85, 92 and 80 on the first three exams; and, even though I entered today’s classroom a little unsure about my performance on the fourth test, I exited feeling confident in a weird way. Somehow it all connected: variation, logarithms and exponential functions. Outlining every section in chapters 9 and 10 paid dividends because I wanted to score over 100 badly. This was my opportunity and even though I was unable to attend one class session because of the interview, I refused to squander it!

My current job has aided in my transformation because it has allowed me to become more diligent, to develop and execute a financial empowerment plan and provide the transfer payment knowledge to secure the economist position. This job has also taught me patience and how to rebound from making mistakes. My financial empowerment plan has provided an economic cushion that afforded me the interview, hotel accommodations, and airfare to live out my dream.

Presently my graduate financial aid has been approved and I have received my room assignment. Monday I will call my financial aid counselor to apply my aid to my tuition and room and board to ensure that everything is down pat by this Friday. In addition, I have worked overtime to supplement my income regarding any travel expenses such as storage and shipping. Honestly, I cannot see taking anything but clothes in my suitcase.

Transcend: 1) to go beyond the limits of; exceed 2) to be superior to; surpass; excel.

My good nature and positive energy transcend boundaries and have opened many doors which I had thought to be closed. Early last week upon learning of my ineligibility for CSU summer housing, I received a pleasant surprise that my room and board have been assigned to me. And, it is the hall with a separate bathroom! :)

As a person I want to transcend the landscape and become more positive during the process. My educational advocacy and voting rights are deeply rooted in transcension and transformation. One of my professional goals is to save the $10,000 needed to endow a scholarship; and, this provides a generous salary to accomplish this feat. In addition, I am happy to start in May because after one year, I will receive a pay increase allowing me to contribute more to this endowment.

Advance: 1) to bring or move forward. 2) to suggest. 3) to further; promote 4) to cause to happen earlier. 5) to raise the rate of (v.i) 1) to go forward. 2) to improve, progress, develop. (n) moving forward.

Continuing my MA Economics in Washington, DC is a surefire way to advance my career because my employer partnership with this university to offer an econometrics program. Earning my degree here allows me to expand my network. Today I have contacted numerous organizations where I possess membership here in Cleveland and have located upcoming events and have requested information regarding their chapters. My advancement goals are the following: 1) to excel as an Economist by completing my one-year probationary period; 2) graduate May 2007 with honors and an MA in Economics degree; 3) to expand my professional network and to publish at least two papers by graduation to boost my professional profile and command a higher salary. I believe that I possess the character traits to not just survive but thrive and succeed in Washington, DC.