…a play phone turned into a real phone!
I haven’t written in a while so I thought I’d take this time to update y’all. I’m figuring out how to balance blogging AND vlogging. If you haven’t viewed the Our Kijiji vlog on Instagram, you’re missing out. Not because I’m the host, but because of the content. While I know Black folks are out here making history, it’s a memorable experience for me to have the opportunity to highlight what we’re doing.
My last blog was about the McIntyre brothers. We just received news that, after an OUTSTANDING season ending with a State Championship, Tyress committed to join his brother at Fayetteville State University.
If you watched the vlog episode where I talked to Tyress, you heard Mr. McIntyre discuss his disappointment with WSSU not recruiting either son. I offered him the information I had, and have since expressed Mr. McIntyre’s sentiments to WSSU’s coach where I told him… “…at the very least, send a note to the guys stating, while you may not be able to recruit them, you see their talent. It’s nothing like hearing from your hometown team!”
Speaking of WSSU, I’ve recently had difficult conversations about the caliber of students the university is producing compared to those graduating from North Carolina A&T. I was offered some relief from an intern who joined my team last week. She ended the week offering me some valuable insight into what I’m experiencing with Michai. She said, “When we have so much support from people, we sometimes take it for granted and not do what we’re supposed to do. Your son will get it, but it may not be when you want him to.” I will continue sharing with that Ram how much she helped me.
Speaking of Michai…
I worked hard to not be a helicopter parent. While I don’t regret my decision, I do think I stopped my “Operation School Pop-up” too soon. I tried to trust him more, only to learn teenagers can rarely be trusted. Michai’s a great kid. Funny. Quiet. Handsome. Introverted. Loving. Possibly addicted to his phone.
The phone is convenient and needed, but it’s also taken over his life. I wish it was still a cute toy as the one in the picture, but it’s real and has somewhat hindered him this school year. I’m learning he’s not the only one struggling, and I’ve also learned this year has taken its toll on guys and girls. Grace is needed for all of them, I just wonder how much Black students will receive?
I commend Michai’s teachers, coaches and administrators. My Mother recently activated her own, “Operation School Pop-up”, and they were all helpful and patient. They have been incredibly supportive and are doing their best to help students be successful, but much like the rest of the systems affected by the pandemic, the education system will also have to recover.
About the pandemic. I agreed to go out with some friends tonight and even paid my portion. I backed out after realizing, I ain’t quite ready to be in PUBLIC public. 😬😷
Remember the Anime contest we hosted to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the blog? Well the winner, Gabriela, recently won ANOTHER contest hosted by UCLA. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I’m talking to myself now to make sure I get up at 730 in the morning, ON MY DAY OFF, to go walk so I won’t end up on, “My 600-lb Life…Vegan Edition.” I also have to spend some time trying on clothes to wear to the football banquet due to the vegan cookies 🍪 and croissants 🥐 located at the local Whole Foods.
It’s the last week of school. We’re headed into the summer months. Keep washing your hands. Wear your masks where applicable. Pray for each other (only pray for me if you have good intentions and know how to get a prayer through, though💁🏾♀️). “Check on your strong friend!”
Hang in there y’all…🙏🏾🤗✊🏾💃🏾🙌🏾
🎵I know somehow, and I know someway…we’re gonna make it! No matter what the test, whatever comes our way…we’re gonna make it!🎵