black xcellence magazine_2013 summer preview

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1 www.blackXcellence.com

MAY/JUNE 2013 www.blackXcellence.com

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All Rights Reserved DaRobi House, LLC Copyright 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

— c. dArObi

“ eXcellence is a state of mind.

It is the unfailing drive that refuses mediocrity and embraces magnificence .

eXcellence is the 2nd wind

that overcomes exhaustion ... And, the evidence of our connection

to God.”

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CONTENTS 2012/2013 Annual Magazine and Business Directory Premier Edition Volume 1 No.3

pAgE 6 7 9 10 12 14 15 16-17 19 21 22 23 24 26 27

2012 Black xcellence Awards Winners,

Order your Collectors copy

Publishers Page

HUMBLE HOMETOWN HERO

Robbie Rhodes

Justice is the only Option

Glyniss McGinty

Photo Pages

2012 Black Xcellence Awards

Who is Kendyl Morgan?

The King of Swing,

Jerry Palmer

Taste of Xcellence

Savory, Tasty, and Just Good .

The Intelligent Criminal

Rodderick Reed . He’s got a story to tell.

BLACK Love The River runs Deep

Rev. Elijah Hill on Black Religion

Now is the Time !

Real Estate advice from DaJuana Miller

The Real Cowboy of Color

True Legend Award Winner...Cleo Hearns

The Lotus Experience

Heart to heart with Marveta Johnson


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The Black Xcellence

AWARDS is very needed in our community. Showing young

people examples of high achievement, regardless of the

circumstances is important. We encourage you and support your efforts to make a global

impact on racial equality and

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CONGRATULATIONS

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Winners of The 2012 Black Xcellence AwardsWinners of The 2012 Black Xcellence AwardsWinners of The 2012 Black Xcellence Awards Order Your Favorite Collectors Edition $39.95Order Your Favorite Collectors Edition $39.95Order Your Favorite Collectors Edition $39.95

www.blackXcellence.comwww.blackXcellence.comwww.blackXcellence.com

From Our PublisherFrom Our PublisherFrom Our Publisher

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In the last 365 days, life for me, has

been very testing. Our country is slug-

gishly prying its way out of one of the

most horrific financial times of its exist-

ence. And, for some reason at the beginning of the quarter, I believed that somehow that greatly

affected me.

Fortunately, my ignorance does not supersede the will of God. Bleak times such as these are es-

sentially ideal for choosing leaders. Individuals that push, pray, meditate, and press on rise to the

top in times like this. Thought leaders, entrepreneurs, artistic hustlers, and the highly motivated

are quite stimulated by the challenge of it all. Believers and followers of Christ, Allah, Buddha,

and/or any other official name of the god they serve study to sharpen their religious belief,

which in turn, sharpens their perspective.

It is in difficult times, such as this, that the “cream” of excellence rises to the top.

Historically, great inventions, movements, ideals, music, Historically, great inventions, movements, ideals, music, Historically, great inventions, movements, ideals, music,

movies, manuscripts, and other momentous creations movies, manuscripts, and other momentous creations movies, manuscripts, and other momentous creations

come out of oppression, depression, and recessioncome out of oppression, depression, and recessioncome out of oppression, depression, and recession... With that being said, the majority of this issue highlights the close of our previous winners and

mainly focuses on following one’s DESTINY.

Despite the odds, obstacles , and/or confrontations... Enjoy!

Claudia DaRobi

DaRobi House, LLC

TO ALL OF THE MANY TO ALL OF THE MANY TO ALL OF THE MANY SUPPORTERS, STAFF, SUPPORTERS, STAFF, SUPPORTERS, STAFF,

CONTRIBUTORS, CONTRIBUTORS, CONTRIBUTORS, SPONSORS, and SPONSORS, and SPONSORS, and

Spiritual WARRIORS.Spiritual WARRIORS.Spiritual WARRIORS.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST Of names I would like to recognize:Of names I would like to recognize:Of names I would like to recognize:

GOD, The CreatorGOD, The CreatorGOD, The Creator JESUS CHRISTJESUS CHRISTJESUS CHRIST

MANY ANCESTORSMANY ANCESTORSMANY ANCESTORS My Parents My Parents My Parents

NAPOLEON & TERESA DAVISNAPOLEON & TERESA DAVISNAPOLEON & TERESA DAVIS MR. T.LYNN REDMONDMR. T.LYNN REDMONDMR. T.LYNN REDMOND

Late LONNIE FAYE REDMONDLate LONNIE FAYE REDMONDLate LONNIE FAYE REDMOND Kailon, Willie, Lord, Miracle, Kailon, Willie, Lord, Miracle, Kailon, Willie, Lord, Miracle,

Chelsea, Tomias, Colby, Chelsea, Tomias, Colby, Chelsea, Tomias, Colby, TroyRissa, Asia, and Ashton, TroyRissa, Asia, and Ashton, TroyRissa, Asia, and Ashton,

KAMETHIA DAVIS & KAMETHIA DAVIS & KAMETHIA DAVIS & DEKELIA DAVISDEKELIA DAVISDEKELIA DAVIS

The entire Davis, Parker, Wooten The entire Davis, Parker, Wooten The entire Davis, Parker, Wooten and Scruggs Familyand Scruggs Familyand Scruggs Family

If some how I missed your If some how I missed your If some how I missed your name charge it to my (exhausted) name charge it to my (exhausted) name charge it to my (exhausted)

head not my heart.head not my heart.head not my heart.

Marveta JohnsonMarveta JohnsonMarveta Johnson Kalauna HallKalauna HallKalauna Hall

VIZION ALEXANDERVIZION ALEXANDERVIZION ALEXANDER

Chef JESSE WATERSChef JESSE WATERSChef JESSE WATERS

TORRENCE WILLIAMSTORRENCE WILLIAMSTORRENCE WILLIAMS PhotographerPhotographerPhotographer

Angela Hooks,Angela Hooks,Angela Hooks,

Antonio JohnsonAntonio JohnsonAntonio Johnson Tina JamesTina JamesTina James Elijah HillElijah HillElijah Hill

M E S S A G EM E S S A G E

All Rights Reserved 2013All Rights Reserved 2013All Rights Reserved 2013

Black Xcellence Magazine is Black Xcellence Magazine is Black Xcellence Magazine is

printed annually and updated printed annually and updated printed annually and updated

quarterly online.quarterly online.quarterly online.

www.darobihouse.comwww.darobihouse.comwww.darobihouse.com

“Living in Faith “Living in Faith “Living in Faith

is not always is not always is not always

easy to easy to easy to dododo. . .

However, the However, the However, the

reward of reward of reward of

trusting the spirit trusting the spirit trusting the spirit

of God is of God is of God is

absolutely absolutely absolutely

amazing.”amazing.”amazing.”

From Our PublisherFrom Our PublisherFrom Our Publisher


Robbie Rhodes

“ He comes off as quiet and modest, but the Fort Worth (Texas)

Southwest wide receiver was not surprised when folks started to

move him up their recruiting rankings.

When he learned he was considered one of the top receiver prospects

in the country, Rhodes was thankful. But he was never shocked.”

says Max Olsen of ESPN Recruiting Nation.

Robbie is best known now a-days for his record breaking

season at Southwest High School. or perhaps being the

Top Football Recruit at Baylor University.

However, ask any sports fan in his hometown of Fort Worth and they will tell

you. This kid could dunk in the 7th grade.

Basketball star, 2012 UIL State Champion in track and of coarse football. But

the greatest accomplishment of all is he still earns the title

“HUMBLE Hometown HERO.

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Attorney Attorney

Glynis Glynis

McGintyMcGinty

GGGlynis Adams McGinty is a self motivated individu-lynis Adams McGinty is a self motivated individu-lynis Adams McGinty is a self motivated individu-al. As a child she was faced with many challenges al. As a child she was faced with many challenges al. As a child she was faced with many challenges after her mother passed. Though, it was difficult, after her mother passed. Though, it was difficult, after her mother passed. Though, it was difficult, failure is not and has never been an option. With failure is not and has never been an option. With failure is not and has never been an option. With the help of her stepthe help of her stepthe help of her step---father, Glynis, graduated at father, Glynis, graduated at father, Glynis, graduated at the top her class at 16 years old. She entered the the top her class at 16 years old. She entered the the top her class at 16 years old. She entered the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at the age of 19. Thurgood Marshall School of Law at the age of 19. Thurgood Marshall School of Law at the age of 19. At the time, she was the youngest student to ma-At the time, she was the youngest student to ma-At the time, she was the youngest student to ma-triculate through this program.triculate through this program.triculate through this program. After graduating from Law School, she established After graduating from Law School, she established After graduating from Law School, she established a solo law practice in 1988, concentrating in Crimi-a solo law practice in 1988, concentrating in Crimi-a solo law practice in 1988, concentrating in Crimi-nal Law. In addition to her practice, she is also the nal Law. In addition to her practice, she is also the nal Law. In addition to her practice, she is also the Associate Judge for the North Richland Hills Munic-Associate Judge for the North Richland Hills Munic-Associate Judge for the North Richland Hills Munic-iiipppaaalll CCCooouuurrrttt aaannnddd ssseeerrrvvveeesss aaasss ttthhheee SSSeeennniiiooorrr CCCooouuurrrttt JJJuuudddgggeee fffooorrr the North Richland Hills Teen Court for over 15 the North Richland Hills Teen Court for over 15 the North Richland Hills Teen Court for over 15 years.years.years. She was formerly an Adjunct Professor for Tarrant She was formerly an Adjunct Professor for Tarrant She was formerly an Adjunct Professor for Tarrant County Junior College where she taught introduc-County Junior College where she taught introduc-County Junior College where she taught introduc-tory Criminal Justice courses.tory Criminal Justice courses.tory Criminal Justice courses. Attorney McGinty is affiliated withAttorney McGinty is affiliated withAttorney McGinty is affiliated with TARRANT COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATIONTARRANT COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATIONTARRANT COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION FORT WORTH REPUBLICAN WOMEN, Past CHAIR-FORT WORTH REPUBLICAN WOMEN, Past CHAIR-FORT WORTH REPUBLICAN WOMEN, Past CHAIR-MAN LITERACY COMMITTEEMAN LITERACY COMMITTEEMAN LITERACY COMMITTEE TARRANT COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TARRANT COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TARRANT COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION FORT WORTH OPTIMIST CLUBFORT WORTH OPTIMIST CLUBFORT WORTH OPTIMIST CLUB LINCOLN COUNCILLINCOLN COUNCILLINCOLN COUNCIL PHI ALPHA DELTA LEGAL FRATERNITY, GREENER PHI ALPHA DELTA LEGAL FRATERNITY, GREENER PHI ALPHA DELTA LEGAL FRATERNITY, GREENER CHAPTER CLERK CHAPTER CLERK CHAPTER CLERK TARRANT COUNTY BLACK BAR ASSO.TARRANT COUNTY BLACK BAR ASSO.TARRANT COUNTY BLACK BAR ASSO. FT WORTH BLACK WOMEN LAWYER ASS.FT WORTH BLACK WOMEN LAWYER ASS.FT WORTH BLACK WOMEN LAWYER ASS. ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC., ZETA MU ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC., ZETA MU ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC., ZETA MU CHAPTERCHAPTERCHAPTER In a world where African American female attor-In a world where African American female attor-In a world where African American female attor-neys are often intimidating and sometimes re-neys are often intimidating and sometimes re-neys are often intimidating and sometimes re-ferred to as "Bulldog" in the court room, Glynis is ferred to as "Bulldog" in the court room, Glynis is ferred to as "Bulldog" in the court room, Glynis is not in anyway offended. She makes it no secret not in anyway offended. She makes it no secret not in anyway offended. She makes it no secret that she completely respects the principals and that she completely respects the principals and that she completely respects the principals and laws in which our legal system was built upon. As laws in which our legal system was built upon. As laws in which our legal system was built upon. As an attorney, it is her first concern to protect the an attorney, it is her first concern to protect the an attorney, it is her first concern to protect the rights of her client to the fullest extent of the law. rights of her client to the fullest extent of the law. rights of her client to the fullest extent of the law. So essentially having Attorney Glynis McGinty on So essentially having Attorney Glynis McGinty on So essentially having Attorney Glynis McGinty on your side in the courtroom is a blessing. your side in the courtroom is a blessing. your side in the courtroom is a blessing.

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When I think of the word dedication, I think of Mr. Michael Golson, SR. Mr. Golson has spent 27 years of his life in domestic and international law enforce-ment, building coalitions and leading change. Currently, he serves as an Assis-tant Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. His impressive resume shows a proven track record of operational excellence, fiscal prudence and new technology imple-mentation. To say the least, this man is equipped with the knowledge to serve his country in the security industry. He changed the agency into an innovative, progressive agency. In our conversation, Mr. Golson says the reputation he wants to precede him is “I deal with things in its appropriate place.” When it is time to step up he does. It is important to Mr. Golson to lead by serving. He is apart of the team he leads. He is dedicated to making sure every member of his team has all of the tools they need to succeed, including, his support. In our conversation, Mr. Golson reflects on when the most horrific tragedy in modern times visited the United States of America, September 11, 2000. He was a National Enforcement Agent. His job was to supervise civilians and other agents, it was a job nobody wanted to do because of the chaos of our nation. Now, Mr. Golson serves as a Corporate and Community Security Enforcement Officer. The ideal client for him is: Community Organizations, Churches, Leaders of neighborhood watch. Stay Tuned for the “Women of Wisdom” Safety seminar sponsored by Black Xcellence.com

Michael Golson, Sr. will host a special training session of

safety and security at our Woman of Wisdom

Safety Seminar

M. Anthony

GOLSON & Associates, LLC

501 Crownpoint Ln.

Arlington, Texas 76002

972.965.6010


An Exclusive Glimpse at last years Black Xcellence Awards

December 2013 Save the Date! Black Xcellence Awards

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15 www.blackXcellence.com December 2013 Save the Date! Black Xcellence Awards

An Exclusive Glimpse at last years Black Xcellence Awards


You might ask, “ Who is You might ask, “ Who is

Kendyl Morgan?” Kendyl Morgan?”

This young lady is a power-This young lady is a power-

house songbird that prefers house songbird that prefers

to hum the sounds of Gos-to hum the sounds of Gos-

pel, Pop, and a little R&B pel, Pop, and a little R&B

every chance she gets. every chance she gets.

A native of Valencia, Ca, A native of Valencia, Ca,

Kendyl graced the stage with Kendyl graced the stage with

a tribute for Claudia DaRobi a tribute for Claudia DaRobi

at the 2012Black Xcellence at the 2012Black Xcellence

Awards. She is currently Awards. She is currently

working on her debut working on her debut

album. Keep your ears to the album. Keep your ears to the

ground.ground.

Kendyl Morgan

Kendyl Morgan

Kendyl Morgan

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King of SwingKing of Swing According to DFWswingdance.com, Jerry Palmer first got his taste of

swingout dancing from the Stepper’s Club in Grand Prairie, TX where he

would go and just watch people dance and be amazed at how well this dance

looked between two partners. He decided to take swing lessons and graduat-

ed from Coaches Corner where Cheryl Head was the instructor. He later

moved over to Gold Rush for more advanced moves with Tommy Pye

(Terrible T). After graduating Jerry started dancing at Club Life in Dallas

and would get many stares and compliments from people wanting to know

about this dance called swingout.

He first started teaching swingout at the Diamond Club for the swingout

organization Dallas Swingout Society. He later followed Cheryl Head and

taught at Coaches Corner for 1 year. He then moved on to Club Blue and

Stone Trail where he graduated many students for 7 years. Often times you

will hear Jerry Palmer’s name mentioned on all the radio stations as “The

King of Swing”. His mainstream radio publicity first started when he would

go dance at the Adams Mark Hotel for the Oasis Radio Jazz events in Dallas.

Jerry would later branch out into Houston, Oklahoma and Louisiana where

he shared the instructors dance floor with Steppin Instruction Dre at a Club

called Cobol in Houston, TX. His accomplishments not only include gradu-

ating over 2000 students but winning 1st place in the Annual Swing Dance

Competition held in Washington, DC.

940.231.3976

On the Spot Auto Detail

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As I approached the entrance of

The Invitational Black Rodeo, I had only

one expectation in mind, “This place is

going to stink”. Not in the sense of being

boring or unpleasant in any way, but that

since there would be all sorts of livestock

involved, that the smell would be stuck in

my nostrils for weeks. Nevertheless, I was

ecstatic because this was my first Rodeo!

Inside there were a plethora of booths

lined up against the wall. Attendees scur-

ried past from station to station picking up

souvenirs and sweet treats of all sorts.

Contrary to my presumption, the aroma in

the lobby wasn’t as dreadful as I had im-

agined. The smell of fresh funnel cakes,

hotdogs, popcorn, cheeseburgers, BBQ,

nachos, and salted pretzels did a wonder-

ful job at overpowering the smell of the

animal waste on the other side of the wall.

The main concessions were provided by

Campbell Concessions, but other vendors

included Nationwide, Cowgirls Rock T-

Shirts, Social Ice Winesicles, and Frank

Frazier Arts.

Once inside the coliseum, all were ush-

ered to their respective sections and seated

by the very courteous and efficient rodeo

staff. As everything was starting to settle

down, everyone had taken their seats, and

the first round of Cowboy Bull Riding

began. A strong looking fellow by the

name of Anthony Butler was first in the

competition with an appearance of a war-

rior primed and ready for battle. The gate

flung open and within about 4 bucks of

the raging bull, Butler was in the sand

right beneath the bull’s hind hoofs. He

scrambled out of the pin just before the

hind legs of the beast came down and

pummeled him. It was then that I came to

the realization that there is certainly a

degree of danger involved in participating

in this competition.

Next up was a coordinated and spirited

performance by the Circle L5 Mounted

Drill Team, who were all neatly dressed in

black and white button downs, flying vari-

ous banners that matched their shirts. Af-

ter their performance, I caught up with

two of the drill team members Donnie and

Chandler who were still full of adrenaline

right after their exceptionally executed

routine.. Later in the show there was also

another drill team from Ft. Worth, TX.

The lovely ladies all matched perfectly in

their fluffy ball-style gowns that were red

and black with lace accents. Other enter-

tainment for the evening included the

beautiful Ms. Imaj, daughter of Miami

Vice’s Philip Michael Thomas, who

graced the stage with a couple of tradi-

tional hymns that the crowd was able to

sing along to.

After a brief intermission it was show

time when the Coed Ribbon Roping com-

petition began. I must say this was the

least action packed event of the evening,

and as such, probably the only one I

would have the guts to try.

One thing I found particularly interesting

was that most of the participants were

family.

When you talk about When you talk about When you talk about

family and rodeo family and rodeo family and rodeo

in the same sen-in the same sen-in the same sen-

tence, you have to tence, you have to tence, you have to

mention the Hearn mention the Hearn mention the Hearn

family. family. family. The leader of which is Mr. Cleo Hearn,

founder of the Black Rodeo. He was

bouncing around the entire time smiling,

hugging, and shaking hands with every-

one in sight. His two sons Robbie and

Wendell were both participants in the

show. Even his young granddaughter,

Rachel, found herself doing a little riding

and wrangling during a few of the not so

dangerous events.

CLEO HEARNS CLEO HEARNS The Real Cowboy of ColorThe Real Cowboy of Color


A friend of the family, Stephen Reagor

of Tulsa, OK was fresh out of the pin

when I reached him for comment. He in-

formed me that this was his first year back

and that he was excited at the good turnout

of attendees this year. He too has been

around the rodeo all his life and at 29

years old has had 20 years of rodeo expe-

rience. His father and Mr. Hearn are very

good friends, and have been for over 40

years.

Right after speaking with him, everyone’s

attention was called to the pin as the

Hearn family honored another of their

lifetime friends, Mr. Arby Littlesoilder,

with a very special birthday gift. For being

incremental to the success of the event,

they awarded him a Medicine Half Pint

Horse white and light tan coat.

Another mentiona-Another mentiona-Another mentiona-

ble family we had ble family we had ble family we had

the honor of meet-the honor of meet-the honor of meet-

ing was the Hatley ing was the Hatley ing was the Hatley

family. family. family. We have to crown them the most spirited

family of the evening since I had a flash

back of a high school pep rally as their

warrior Queen, Ms. Keedra Hatley shot

into the pin with her top that was the same

orange from

the hottest part of the flame.

Finally, the moment that everyone had

been waiting for. The final round of Bull

Riding was commencing and the winner

of the grand prize, $25,000 was about to

compete. The crowd was going ballistic at

this point. I was starting to hope that who-

ever won the money would have some

security to escort them home.

As I reflected on the days events, one

thing was fore certain, the most obvious

fact about the rodeo is that it is undeniably

an event that the whole family can enjoy.

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“ Today, I encourage you to never give up.

Take a moment and reflect. As you assess

your life decide if you are comfortable with

where you are. If you can answer yes, con-

gratulations you have arrived at a place many

people never see. If your answer is no, con-

gratulations, you have an awesome oppor-

tunity to make changes in your life that will

assist you in reaching your goals.“

Never Give Up. That is the title of a book I have grown to

love. The author, Joyce Meyer, is an extremely inspirational indi-

vidual that has a knack for encouragement. In that book she refers

to individuals such as Winston Churchill, The Wright Brothers,

and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as examples of people that

changed the course of history because they refused to give up.

After being out of school for over fifteen years, I found myself at

a University in pursuit of a better life as I aggressively worked

towards an Associate in Business Administration. Excitement,

fear, nervousness, intimidation and inadequacy are the emotions

that visited me on that day. It did not take long for me to realize a

new love had been added to my life, a love for education. In May

of 2007 I walked across the stage at the Bradley Center in Mil-

waukee WI, acknowledging I completed my task, superseded my

original goal, to receive my Bachelors in Business Management.

May 19, 2007 will forever be embedded in my memory.

On November 27 of that same year, I walked into another univer-

sity for the first time. Foundations of Problem-Based Learning set

the tone for my life for the 15 months to follow. Excitement revis-

ited me as I began my journey. At the end of the day I found my-

self outside waiting for my ride reflecting on my experience. I

waited, as all the other students and staff left the building one by

one, as security left and the doors were locked. Finally, one in-

structor came out and saw I was sitting outside in the cold and he

asked me if I needed a ride. I wanted to say no but the truth of the

matter was, I did need a ride. So I gratefully accepted. As we rode

we talked and he encouraged. When we pulled up in front of my

house, his words to me were “don’t give up”. I said thank you,

wiped the tears from my eyes and went inside.

I continued my strode that lead me to the day when I received my

Master’s degree in Business Administration. I did not give up.

My journey to that day had been nothing short of awesome. The

workload was great, the expectations were elevated and the re-

ward is without description.

Today, I encourage you to never give up. Take a moment and

reflect. As you assess your life decide if you are comfortable with

where you are. If you can answer yes, congratulations you have

arrived at a place many people never see. If your answer is no,

congratulations, you have an awesome opportunity to make

changes in your life that will assist you in reaching your goals.

When preparing the speech I delivered at my commencement

ceremony, I did a search on the internet to find out who the oldest

person in history was to receive a degree. Nola Ochs received her

Bachelor’s degree in History at 95 years old. It took Ms. Ochs 30

years to reach that goal. Think about it, it would have been admi-

rable if she would have accomplished her goal in 5 years. That

would have made her a 70 year old graduate. She took a bit longer

than the traditional 5 years, however, even more noteworthy; she

stayed the course for 30 years. She obviously, refused to give up.

The next time you have an opportunity to attend a graduation cer-

emony, take a look around you. All of the individuals that you see

dressed in a cap and gown took that leap of faith. They decided to

press towards their goal and never give up.

The challenge was presented to the student speaker to address the

following statement, “How did your educational experience influ-

ence your personal and professional life.” My direct answer to

that is, personally, I have come into the knowledge that any task

that is set before me I can accomplish as long as I never give up.

An individual will always come out on top if they stay the course.

It has set the tone for my household. My children will pursue their

dreams with an example in their mother that dreams really do

come true.

Professionally, my experience in classrooms with instructors that

have a passion for education has ignited something in me to want

to be a “lifetime learner”. My original goal was to get a degree in

hopes of moving up the corporate ladder. Now, I find myself

longing to be amongst individuals that have so many challenges

and obstacles, such as I did, encouraging them to go after their

goals, confidently, aggressively and diligently. I simply want to be

a cheerleader in their corner telling them they can make it. Wheth-

er it be in the classroom setting, part of the student service divi-

sion, in administration, or in community settings, I have to be a

part of assisting other’s to reach their goals.

The university of determination produces a body of individuals

that stand out from the rest. There is a glow that precedes them

and a confidence that follows close behind. Relationships are de-

veloped that make a student desire to hold on. No, it was not

easy. No, nobody tried to make it easy. Yes, it got frustrating

however the end result is, when you do not give up, when we did

not give up we can pass the threshold together knowing that what-

ever happens in life we are winners.

Marveta “Lotus” JohnsonMarveta “Lotus” JohnsonMarveta “Lotus” Johnson

MAY/JUNE 2013 www.blackXcellence.com naacouturephotography.com

http://www.naacouturephotography.com

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