Advice from your auntie
Dear girls,
There will come a point in your life where you will need to “boot” ignorant, misinformed and closed-minded folks out of your life, circle and social media sites. Do not waste your time on people who do not want to do better. You cannot help these people. Only God can. Instead, focus your efforts on the people who want to do better. Life is too short to do otherwise.
Dear nieces,
Community colleges are the bomb.com!
I have met or heard of many young people who plan to attend community colleges. They are making a wise decision!
If these students do their part, they will receive an excellent education, have no debt when they graduate, have several job offers before they graduate, earn more money than their instructors when they graduate and transfer their credits if they want to attend a four-year school after graduation.
I realize that some people may “throw shade” because these young people are attending a community college. I have worked at four community colleges, and I continue to be amazed at our phenomenal students and alumni. Don’t “sleep” on community colleges. The students and alumni excel in many areas – and in many cases, they outperform those who attend four-year schools.
When you begin planning for college, please consider attending community colleges. You won’t regret it.
Dear sweet girls, please be aware of “code” words that may be used to denigrate you.
I recall a situation at work, when an older White male used the phrase “at-risk” as code for Black people. In fact, he said to me, “Well, Linnie, you could have gone either way.” I asked him what he meant by that. He had the audacity to say that I had grown up at-risk, because I am Black.
Take in mind that I had never discussed my personal life with this man. He simply ASSumed. I then told him this: “I am an African-American woman with a Ph.D. I have never been pregnant. I have never used drugs. I do not drink alcohol. I always knew I was going to college. I grew up with both of my parents.”
He stared at me with a dumb look on his face. I ended it with this: “You were more at-risk than I am, since you do not have a college degree.” His response? Crickets…
Call out the bigots, racists, fools and chauvinists – and do it with pride.
Sweeties, if faced with a road rage situation, do not get out of your vehicle – ever. Your goal is to return safely to your family and home. Put your ego and pride to the side. We will soothe them when you arrive home. The aggressor will be handled appropriately. However, the goal is for you to survive.