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.