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Hi Mya,
Thank you very much for responding to us as we enter the autumn season (or just September in SoCal). Yes, it’s been a very busy semester for Dr. Martin as she manages the elastic tentacles of so many student organizations. Last night we had a wonderful time joining students at the 3rd Annual BSSO Bonfire in Mission Beach cooking hot dogs and marshmallows on a beautiful moonlit night. Dr. Martin and I are so pleased to hear you are doing well at Texas Southern University and that you remain on course to complete your goal of earning your master's degree in chemistry from an Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Kudos! |
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THANK YOU, MYA
“The prospect of driving a modern 21st century computer dependent automobile really short circuits my psyche.” |
Thanks for your empathetic acknowledgment of my beautiful Toyota Previa Van. Sadly, she collapsed in our driveway the night Dr. Martin & I helped Jasmine move out of her apartment in San Diego this summer. The Previa has just been sitting there like a stuffed monument honoring the good’ol days. She was a beauty, true? I’m still paralyzed by my loss. I’ve been driving a Previa for over twenty years. The last Previa model was made in 1998. The prospect of driving a modern 21st century computer dependent automobile really short circuits my psyche. Most people dismiss my anxieties, including my family, my mechanic, my friends, etc. Many admonish me to “Move on, Stephen, Move up! “Cars don’t last forever ” They’re probably right… realistically so. But, are they really right?… really? Jesus…
Well, your email response is why Dr. Martin and I love Our Mya. Your thoughtfulness about our well-being through the years often soothes our senses and elevates our mutual contentment. God blesses us with your friendship, Mya. Thank you for your timely expression of empathy which is helping me through the process of deciding my first automobile other than a Previa to drive in the 21st century. Of course, I’ll continue to be a man with a van… maybe an eight passenger blue Honda Odyssey? |
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I’m reminded of our conversation when you and your cool Mom visited Dr. Martin and me at our home this summer about your myriad experiences at TSU. As you know, Dr. Martin earned her master’s degree at Atlanta University which might as well have been a million miles away, figuratively, from her undergraduate experience at the preeminent Oberlin College in Ohio. She’s shared with you some of her positive HBCU experiences at AU back in the day such as her exciting summer research project at the Marine Biology Laboratory in Woods Hole Massachusetts. The classic photo above is Dr. Martin with her laboratory research team. I had yet to meet Dr. Martin personally when this photo was taken. I’m just a year and a half away from chasing the most beautiful woman of my dreams…
At Atlanta University Dr. Martin was fortunate to receive the admiration of a loyal mentor in Dr. John Brown, her research professor, who was very instrumental in her successful matriculation to UC Berkeley (when I came into her life) where she completed her hard earned doctoral degree. He telephoned her recently out of the blue just to say hello and congratulated her on a successful academic career. What a wonderful surprise from a dignified mentor after such a long time had passed. I bet between them it felt like just yesterday since they last talked! |
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In this same vein, Mya, our sense of time often passes swiftly and other times less so. However, always know that you will always have our full support just as I felt your full support when managing my challenging travails during our international experience together in Ghana, Africa (I still feel beholden to you for your calm and steady presence overseas). Always feel free to reach out to us in any mode and at any time you need to reach The Village for guidance. Dr. Martin and I will be there when you need us.
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As I type these words, Mya, I’m resisting pontificating in this email about how fortunate you are to have matriculated from SDSU to TSU. Understandably, you have a multitude of challenging issues on your mind these days, foremost writing your thesis. There is little time in your schedule to pause and take account of your illuminated status in your academic career because your nose is to the grindstone researching, writing and teaching, etc., to complete your master’s degree in chemistry.
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What is the meaning of the term “true grit”?
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Being a gritty person means that the one tends to stick to their goals despite numerous issues, problems, setbacks and failures. The person has firmness of mind and unyielding courage.
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What does it take to earn a master’s degree? I imagine some days It must feel like trying to solve a rubik's cube under the pressure of the imminent ding of a three minute egg timer, true Mya? You have to simultaneous manipulate fifty-four compartments of your life to get across one finish line on a tight budget… then reset and start all over again as you make preparations to Jump! to begin your next journey to matriculate to a new institution to earn a prestigious doctoral degree in your field. Your elders and peers who are excited for your success and commitment to higher education may be unaware of the toll it takes on your mind, body and spirit and bank account to earn a graduate degree, true? Unless they have earned True Grit!, they deserve to have their consciousness raised:
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Dr. Martin & I are your witnesses, Mya, and you’ve proven your fearlessness in so many realms. Continue to dream big. Only 9% of Americans attain a master’s degree. It's a challenging goal for a normal human being to complete and requires True Grit. Soon you will have earned your master’s degree, Mya, and the permanent status of being endowed with True Grit [beta / fifty50] will give you headway when you begin your doctoral program next year.
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Mya, since you're taking pause to read this narrative (pontificating… my resistance is futile), I’m inserting this nimble attempt to reveal an essential truth about earning graduate degrees: Whatever stress you are experiencing presently that inhibits your intentions or impedes your forward momentum is transitory because you are determined to remain focused on your primary duty to matriculate and toward that end you will prevail. Mark my words…
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Dr. Martin and I look forward, Our Mya, to witnessing your new anthem on your miniature chalkboard emblazoned
“i did It…Again!” |
“Over time, Mya, in your professional career as a chemist you will be sharing with multiple generations over and over and over again how much you valued your experiences at Texas Southern University. Your graduate school experience at TSU also elevates your credibility in your personal and professional life in ways that will eternally surprise you and in ways you have yet to define, small and large. For example, your wise decision to attend an HBCU awards you a permanent lifetime passport to every Black community cookout in every state of the union – fact. In your professional life when you reveal your master’s degree was earned at TSU you will experience the same pregnant pause you experience when you reveal you used your precious United States International Passport to travel to Africa, The Mother Continent. In other words, Mya, earning a master’s degree from TSU awards you elevated status!
These revelations will all become repetitive over time, Mya, and will be isolated and then conformed to your reality as your bedrock narrative of truth that constantly propels your momentum forward toward success in the future. Remove all doubt!” — Mr. Martin |
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So, Mya, your fearlessness is renowned.
Remain steadfast, stay resolute! Keep Your Eyes On The Prize! Your Duty Is Clear. You.Can.Do.This! |
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Enjoy the four minute video “Village FX” in the link below. BSSOAA President Lateefah Brown provided an ideal blueprint for conscious empowerment during her wonderful keynote speech at the BSSO Banquet last year that encourages us to stand together and Walk Tall every day of the week:
“I was able to find a village in every place I’ve lived because I carry the village in my heart.” – Lateefah S. Brown |
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