The Making of a Mentor

I was so happy to have met one of the Cleveland State University Urban Affairs DC Seminar yesterday at the alumni event because it enabled me to realize that I possessed the ability to become a mentor. During our conversation I asked her the group's composition and she commented that this year was evenly split between undergraduates and graduates (There were even two were PhD students!). Then I inquired if any one of them wanted to work in DC to she replied yes. I told her about USAJOBS, the federal government's job site in addition to several others. She gave me her business card and throughout last night and earlier this morning, I located resources to help her Urban Affairs students acquire jobs and schooling. This meeting allowed me to use my prior research knowledge of obtaining greater Cleveland higher educational resources for poor, first-generation college students into action. Though I supplied advice, personally, staying and working in Cleveland then relocating to Washington, DC would be better because they would had acquired the requisite experience and skills to excel. That was how I obtained my economist position. As a graduate student I worked as an Information Officer with the Cuyahoga Support Enforcement Agency honing my Medicare and food stamps transfer skills. When I relocated to Washington, DC to work as an economist in the transfer payment section, I hit the ground running!

Who Defines Classiness?

Diana Ross’ comments while receiving the BET Lifetime Achievement Award about being classy are timely and important but I am concerned about what outside forces compromising the art form. Yes, I have never sagged my pants, called myself a nigger, or acted immature but we, the rap crowd has to make the decision not someone else. Also I feel that Al Sharpton’s comments about the marketplace are ill-fitted because there are many positive forces such as Kanye and Common who will be coming out with albums. We must control our communities’ dialog! Furthermore, class is relative because how can you hail from the projects and spent time incarcerated exude upper-middle class sensibilities? I am a member of an upper-class invitation-only organization and it would never have thought to invite her to attend our annual convention. Finally, it is no mistake that the black scholarship fund honored Aretha instead of Diana Ross because Aretha's father graduated from LeMoyne College, an HBCU, while Diana was raised in the notorious Brewster Projects!

Escalating

I awoke late because I did set my alarm clock. Also something happened to my tv around 1am.
Throughout this morning, I thought about being a mentor and what advice I would give to the Urban Studies students. A woman next to me had the Washington Center Internship bag which gave me a starting point. I, too, interned there and this experience gave me the assurance that I could become an economist.

Since I am 29 years old and most of these students are in their twenties, I can relate to them. Actually I feel that serving as a mentor for TWC would help me gain clarity on my life’s purpose. Motivating and encouraging people are important. Plus I like to distribute positive energy (as I have done earlier this morning when Uncle Tom posts something extremely mean and disheartening about blacks having a lower graduation rate.). His negative post pushes me to graduate from American University now because I refuse to be stereotyped! (For the record, another blogger came right after him and posted the "outperforming" quote, thereby, making me feel so much better. And, I need it because...

I have made and read two ignorant black women and this is not even noon! First, during my morning break, I gave this young woman directions to Strayer college. When we met again after my stroll, and upset that she had received dollar coins yelled at the hot dog man saying that “She had to work hard for her money and that she was not one of those people with the things around their heads.” Then whispered into my ear that “We were not white.” Oh Lord! Afterward, I read Essence’s interview with Monique who was extremely ignorant proclaiming that the word nigger has not meaning; and, when she got to heaven that is what she would call her ancestors. The cherry on top was that she proclaimed black people as too sensitive (Wait a minute! Monique calling us ignorant. She accepted the word fat so did that make her a fat, black nigger?). That’s ignorant! Why me?

The thing that got me was Monique’s accusing black people about being too sensitive. She made this remark about why we should stop worrying about who was calling us nigger (My problem was her ignorance!) and focus on improving our crumbling schools (With that kind of vocabulary she displayed, that was the reason why so many fell through the cracks). What a cop out!

It is stuff like this that cannot be ignored! Besides, I feel that this pervasive ignorance will not uplift anyone especially in the black community! Okay, I confess that at times I can get sensitive but this is ridiculous! This is not humorous!

Regardless, of their narrow-mindedness, I still push on, escalating to a higher station, and more moral clarity in life!

The Right Season

Since there are too many scheduling problems, I will not be traveling to Brazil during my birthday after all. However, I will travel during fall break. This saves me over $1263 which, I will save. Now I will book my Cleveland trip (but, of course, I will still call Ingenuity Cleveland and ask for packages.) and not fear any budgetary problems.

When I decided that this was not going to work, there was neither anger nor bitterness just the acceptance that this was not the right season. Furthermore, this indifference was directly attributed to financial empowerment. Since I established an emergency fund, there was no panic. Moreover, recent conversations with my family illuminated why I did not have to measure up to anyone. I had was the torchbearer and that was okay with me.

Opportunity Journal Entry #9: Moving On Up

I have been approved for my apartment! I am so happy because the search is over (although I am still looking at other apartments within the Friendship Heights area for price comparison purposes.). The rent is only $15 more than my current residence plus I do not have to spend any transportation money and can walk to the grocery store. That's cost savings. The lower rent allows me to afford furniture, a return trip to Cleveland, and my NBMBAA conference. I must admit that sitting in the apartment manager's office completing the paperwork without fear of my denied because of bad credit is liberating!

Now for some not so great news: Dropping out of mathematical methods for economists this summer, the AU course conflicts with UDC's calculus II and III meaning that this would have to wait until Spring 2008. Normally, this would have been disappointing, however, this presented another opportunity to take my time with calculus I and take calculus II at USDA since my Wednesdays are free. Also, it will allow me to save money which is my goal and I am still in contention of applying for a doctoral program just in case I exhaust all options here at AU.

Reading Educational Pathways magazine has inspired me to soar higher and not to waste time. Though I have always placed an extremely high premium on education (It's the reason why I am an economist today.), the articles highlighting black firsts in education motivated me to continue my educational pursuit with vigor! Now I have set some new achievement goals:

Complete AU by next year
Complete calculus III by first summer session
Complete my master's thesis (That's why I am in the MA program)
Retain my Omicron Delta Epsilon honor society distinction
Win one research scholarship

These goals will equip me with the necessary tools to be successfully both personally and professionally.

Pearls of Wisdom

Yesterday’s National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Northern Virginia Chapter Installation Ceremony solidified my community purpose. Though as always I was the youngest one in the group, this time it did not faze me because this event had meaning. I would join a broad collection of black female professionals advocating social change. All of a sudden, the conundrum of which chapter did I join after relocating dissipated. Right then, I was in the company of my sisters! At age twenty-nine I finally had the support to pursue my foundation work. This next decade I promised myself to found a scholarship program to help students afford books.; and, I was well on my way.

Confessions

When I dropped mathematical methods for economists, I realized that unlike previous circumstances, one class did not determine my future. Here I was still an economist in contention for GS-11 status and more importantly, I already had enough education to sustain me for a very long time. My BA from Hiram College equipped me with skills to become an economist. During these past two months, I saw my former classmates, in Washington working as economists. Their presences were proof-positive that a Hiram education was more than sufficient to do this work! These reminders enabled me relinquish any guilt about my decision. Furthermore, when CSU emailed me about its DC Alumni meeting, all of a sudden I realized that this decision was minor because here was a bigger goal: serving as a mentor. Mentoring had always been my top goal especially as I enter my thirties and this event offered me an opportunity to do just that. I remembered being twenty years old, doing this for free! These experiences made me the person that I am today. Coincidentally, I worked one block from 50 Years is Enough but a world of difference: now only was I being paid but my perspective changed. When I return to Cleveland, Ohio, I thought that keeping in touch was unimportant but I wasted lots of time not doing so. What I would recommend was to join industry associations to begin fomenting your relationships now so that you’d always have a network.

Becoming a mentor in my twenties is impressive because (at for me) I haven’t done anything major. Yes, I have earned two degrees by age twenty-five, completed one year at American University, have relocated from Cleveland to Washington, DC, survived on bad credit and now have good credit and received a pay-for-performance bonus; but, I haven’t done anything really big. However, inspiring anyone of these students would make my day!

Speaking of going back, I remember the vast amount of progress that I have made since arriving here. It is only now that I acknowledge how bad I want to become an economist. I moved here with two checking accounts in ChexSystems and horrible credit. Every apartment complex denied my application forcing me to find shelter on Craigslist. Now one year later, I have two checking and savings accounts and good credit. That’s an amazing feat to turn everything around and become successful!

The Morning After

A lot has transpired since my last posting. First and foremost, I've dropped mathematical methods for economists for health reasons. Now I can focus on resting and my apartment search which has hit a snag. It disappointed me immensely because I was number three on the list even though I had called the owner first! Oh well, it nothing pans out this week, I will submit my trip money and go to 1500 Massachusetts Avenue. At least I am close to work and I can walk to the DuPont metro and the N2 bus. However, I do have some stellar news regarding my job search. This morning I have completed four job offers and have faxed all of the information. Furthermore, tomorrow is my first GS-11 Economist interview and tonight I will revise my writing samples to ensure that they reflect my ambition. Like I gleefully told my career coach that come August 1st, I will not even be here if my boss does not come with a great counteroffer.

Overcoming my Fears

Even though the mathematical notation is Greek to me, I will overcome my fear by mastering it. I refuse to allow this to get in the way of acing this class. Therefore, this weekend, I will read and solve all chapter problems to ensure that I receive a high grade (Anything is better than a zero.) Furthermore, I have overcome my fear of not getting an apartment near college by calling real estate agencies. All of a sudden, five offers have materialized with three within my area. It looks like I will be able to return to Washington, DC by July!

Opportunity Journal Entry #8: Leave No Stone Unturned!

Meeting with the career coach has helped me better process and clarify my ideas regarding my job search. I have told her about receiving an interview with another agency but really want to stay here. The other agency offers loan forgiveness and tuition assistance which will truly help me; but, here I am already in the system where securing a ZP-III promotion is much easier than going else. During the conversation, I inform her about contacting the HR representative about the timetable because it is realistic that I can be in government on the fifth floor by August 1st. Immediately afterward, I travel to see her and inquire about the announcement’s timetable. She says that after it closes, the staff will review it for 10-15 days then email individuals who made certification (She says that I can view it electronically.). She has validated my earlier assumptions. Riding high and full of optimism, I return to my office in preparation for today’s meeting with the new associate director.

Unbeknownst to me, the BEA’s Regional Program Outreach Potential poster hanging on the wall offers an abundance of opportunity to expand my job search. I have written down every single organization. This represents a watershed moment because I never know that many regional economic organizations exist! When opportunity knocks, you better answer!

Opportunity Journal Entry #7: Full Steam Ahead

A lot has transpired since my last opportunity posting. This morning a potential employer called to schedule an interview which, of course, I obliged. The agency wanted some writing samples forwarded to them prior to the interview. I viewed this as a prime opportunity to use my Toastmaster skills to advance my career. If selected, my starting date will be late August to complete my estimates and take a vacation.

Of course, I debate leaving my current employer especially after applying for an internal position which would allow me to stay here while earning more money. Thankfully, the career coach returns tomorrow because I really need advice on this matter. First, I will email HR for a timetable to evaluate my options. I really prefer to stay here and receive my promotion. My boss even says that he'll evaluate my progress after the estimates then confer with his supervisor. However, that's too many chefs in the kitchen! Second, I will meet with the career caoch to hammer out the details. If I accept this position, my starting date will be late August to accommodate the state estimates and my vacation. Coming off insincere is the last thing I wish to project!

Rise Up!

In tribute to my beloved Cleveland Cavaliers reaching the NBA Finals, I will entitle this blog entry: Rise Up! :)

I will rise up and seek out every opportunity to live abundantly, realize all of my dreams, and have fun while doing it.

Unchained Melody

Last night's mathematics for economists lecture and quiz gave me a rude awakening that I had to study in order to excel at this class. Last week's ninety minute lectures spoiled me into thinking that this would be a cake course and I'd arrive home by 8pm. Yesterday's lecture comprised of basic calculus, especially the chain rule, and differentiation. Later this afternoon, I will read some the material so that I would not be further behind.

Seeking New Challenges

Ben Silverman’s promotion as co-chairmen of NBC Entertainment and the NBC Universal Television Studio, has inspired me to examine my current and future progress. He is 36 years old and by age 36, I will have graduated from Harvard’s Business Economics doctoral program and still be on the fast track to become this agency’s Chief Economist (I will also be married and a homeowner!). His ascension coupled with a friend's economics professorship challenges me to reassess my long-term goals. I can foresee myself as a tenured professor who is also a Fortune 500 CEO. Furthermore, I will have the first non-white firm to be included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). This will happen because I will make it happen! Kevin Liles, current record president and author of the book entitled, Make It Happen!, has begun his music career as an unpaid Def Jam intern rising through the corporate ranks to become label president; and, one the label was acquired by Universal ascended to is presidency. I, too, remembered my days as a non-paid intern; and, it still amazes me that at the end of my twenties, I have fully realized my goal of becoming an Economist, but I have so much more inside of me to explore and offer. I refuse to be content (Working at a top statistical agency, is a badge of honor, however, I define my life and career.) because I know that I can do so much more.

The Impact of Positive Thinking

Making suggestions to the writer about helping eliminate poverty and providing positive alternatives to the youth, gives me a wonderful feeling because I’m now stepping into the mentor role. Mentioning Upward Bound, Gear Up, YMCA Black Achievers and America Reads recalls the importance the organizational staffs have had on me. When I return to Washington, DC, I will participate in these programs. This exchange coupled with reading Earl Graves Sr.’s June 2007 Black Enterprise editorial advocating that black businesses step up and provide high quality alternatives to the dearth of role models within the community (I am glad that he does not finger only the poor but also the rich!), has made me realize the amount of leadership and knowledge skills that I possess. This summer I will participate in both DC and Arlington Reads. I know that I possess the training and the talent to help people become more literate. Furthermore, I would love to teach GED preparation courses in addition to community colleges. After completing my UDC math courses, I will apply for an Upward Bound Science Math precalculus teaching position. Moreover, I can incorporate my SAS knowledge to create a computer science class that exposes children to new computing languages. Aha! This exercise has enabled me to positively channel my creative energies which result in change. All I have to do are focus on my work and devote thirty minutes daily towards learning. Improving my skills will help me improve my community.

Since founding my own college is my life’s goal, participating in educational programs and learning more about the grant process are imperative towards realizing this dream. Even attending the Ingenuity Festival and traveling to Brazil will deplete my vacation hours, I will enroll in the DC Foundation Center’s one-day grant writing seminar to acquire the writing abilities necessary to finance this endeavor. It is important to obtain as much experience as possible to ensure that I know what I am doing. It amazes me the impact of one little email has had on today’s critical thinking!

The Art of Dealmaking

Yesterday after exiting the disappointing DuPont Circle opening house (the apartment was half the size of my current one), I struck up a conversation with a fellow AU undergrad student about apartment hunting. I told him about my success calling real estate companies and that he should try this and next week to obtain July and August. Also, I told him about my Friendship Heights and Arlington, VA basement apartments to which he responded that “those were some great deals.” Prior to his remark, I never saw myself as a deal maker. However, I managed to pull off what many in the metro DC area could not: getting the most space for my buck! And, if I could blindly seal deals then think how effectively I would be now with my eyes and ears wide open!

I will call more firms to receive insider information for the July/August vacancies. In addition, I delay purchasing my trip until June 5th, when I have a ballpark figure and pulled my credit score. By the time I settle in to my new diggs, I will have closed my biggest deal ever: a basement apartment with no less than 900 sq. ft!

Clearing the Benchmark

Yesterday’s meeting with my boss helped me set a benchmark for achieving success. Thus it was important to finish the first estimate by Friday. I needed to send a message that I would be a ZP-III Economist! This motivated me to excel on my work!

During my Toastmasters meeting, I met my coworker's husband who graduated with his economics doctorate which was truly inspiring (What was less inspiring was that very same coworker trying to correct me when I mentioned that he would receive GS-12 ranking. She remarked that he would command more than that [Not so with him being straight out of grad school; but, I digressed.]). Every morning I envisioned myself earning my doctorate working as the Chief Economist or starting my own business en route toward becoming the first black woman of my wholly owned Fortune 500 firm!

Since most top-tier doctoral schools have daytime curricula, I will build my clientele to sustain myself. Entrepreneurship pushes me to the next level. Upon graduation, my company will have a market capitalization of over $2 million.

Liberation

In between eating lunch at my desk and pondering tomorrow's apartment viewing, I realized that before I signed my life (well, one year of my life) away to a landlord, I must conduct due diligence by revisiting my old stomping grounds where I arrived one year ago. Boarding the red line, I arrived in Friendship Heights to write down some apartment names and inquire about apartment listings. Both secretaries helped me immeasurably. During the first, I thought about how much my financial position had changed since last year and how grateful I was to have the money and the credit to rent. Leaving both rental offices, embarking on my return to work, little did I know walking down Wisconsin Avenue doodling about achieving financial liberty, that the school would accept my credits! Right after exiting the Farragut North red line subway station from apartment hunting, I called the head of the math department who informed me that UDC accepts my USDA calculus I class! This is great because now I will retake not only calculus I but take calculus II. This presents another opportunity to excel because my goal is to complete both classes and land into calculus III this fall. However, I wills till remain diligent especially since I haven’t taken a class at UDC and therefore do not know the teaching style; yet, I am hopeful that I will excel wherever I am placed!

After processing all of this information, I asked my boss about the status of my promotion to which he replied that he hadn’t spoken to his superior yet; but, that he would. Furthermore, he declared that my performance on these estimates served as a great indicators as to whether or not I would receive one. Hmmm! Well, all righty then. At least I was working on them and asking questions because now I have something to shoot for; and, by the time I lay on the sunny beach on Brazil, I will know that my raise will be awaiting me! J

Opportunity Journal Entry #6: Taking Credit

When the landlady told me what the rent would be for next year (it was super affordable!), immediately I shifted into high gear. Earlier this morning, I checked UDC's 2006-2008 catalog for calculus II and it will be offered immediately after my AU classes. This discovery further motivates me to return back to Washington, DC. During my lunch break, I've traveled to the university's mathematics department to obtain additional information. The doctor has told me that my calculus course depends upon the course description. I ask for the fax number and when I return to the office, I've faxed this information; and, tomorrow I will fax my syllabus. In addition, I've checked the university's off-campus housing and viewed the real estate listings.

Financially, I've filed both online and telephone disputes to all three credit bureaus to clean up my credit. Even though the post office has raised stamps to 41 cents, I've still assembled my credit dispute letter package including a copy of my payoff letter. Talking to the representatives has helped me immensely because I've received my new confirmation numbers and timelines. All of this should be resolved by early June. Taking control of my finances have eliminated (sort of) the fear of not resigning my VA lease.

It is important to take advantage of all available opportunities abound because these will position me to harvest low-lying fruit!

Opportunity Journal Entry #5: Business Travel

Even though I have a massive headache on the left side of my brain (which is not because of the sun which is a nice 75 degrees), I can spot an opportunity when I see one. The table has the Annual Meeting brochure and since I am a member, I could pay the Meeting member fee of $750 (since I am both a member and an Economist I could ask my employer to do this!). Also I have until July 31st to pay the fee leaving me with enough time to decide what I want to do. This is big because the business Annual Conference in Orlando is the same week meaning that I must make a choice between school (the first conference is held on Monday and Tuesday) and work. I can visit blackboard for micro's syllabus to make my decision but if I decide to go to the NABE Meeting I will have to tell the other teacher.

Networking in my field and the Pacific Coast provide a lot of opportunities to grow and learn plus I like to travel and since I will be off Friday, September 7th it will allow me time to wind down and enjoy the sights before the conference. Earlier this morning during the meeting I dreamt about attending Harvard for my business economics Ph.D. (this carried over from my morning break walk) and how it along with working as a consultant would boost my career profile. I could envision myself working on the sixth floor (with an Ivy League, I am a virtual shoo-in but attitude still determines altitude.). Attending either conference would help me build a strong professional portfolio because I have taken the initiative to meet people and development the acumen to be successful in every environment.