As a black woman, often times we are pegged as “ghetto”, “difficult to work with”, or even “aggressive.” Not only are these stereotypes, but they’re misconceptions believed by African Americans and others outside of our race. Don’t believe what they say. There are so many paths that one can take to live their life, but being educated is one of the few that can contain the best results. This doesn’t just include college education either. You can go to cosmetology school, nursing school, law school, journalism school and even trade school (for all my STEM females out there). Life is what you make it, but always remember that knowledge takes you so much farther than just going about life. Having knowledge can make your perception of the world broaden and allow you to pass along that information to others. You never know when someone else might need to hear something that you have awareness of. When you have this knowledge please don’t hold out on sharing. There is no room for jealousy, strife, or manipulation. In a world where our male counterparts are being wrongfully killed by the boatload, and our other sisters are being hunted for sex-trafficking, it is our responsibility to be knowledgeable and share what we know to help someone else. What do you gain from holding out on information?
Whether in the classroom or the board room, remember that when you enter into a place, you’re not coming as one. You embody the thousands of women that came before you. You should also be proud of yourself for what you’ve done and where you’re about to go. There are so many women and young girls who wish they had the opportunities that you had or life that you had so be grateful .. I know it’s going to feel intimidating at first – nerve-wracking even. But do not hang your head. Even if it seems like everyone else around you is more qualified than you, you still belong there whether you believe it for yourself or not.