A Strong and Independent Black Woman

There it is: 2014. What can I say? The highs were really high and the lows were too low. I've learned even more about what I want and what I don't want. This year was filled with lessons, lessons that needed to be taught and learned. Not because I didn't know certain things, but because I needed a reminder. A reminder of who I am and who I will always be, no matter what. That no matter how much a person may try, they can never tear me down. I am and always will be a "strong and independent black woman." This was a recurring theme throughout this hectic year.

I loved and let go. I quit certain jobs and began new ones. I experienced the most physical pain I had ever felt in my entire life (kidney stones are awesome...). I officially started writing my masters thesis. I visited Mackinac Island for the first time. I chopped off all of my hair. This year was filled with its "big" moments. All of them, even the not so good ones, all of them helped me further appreciate who I am as a person.

Next year will be another one filled with "big" moments, like my finally graduating with my masters and more importantly leaving WSU for good. I am not a crying person but when I walk across that stage (hopefully) in May, a tear may or may not be shed. I won't have another grad party, but I think a "I'm finally done with WSU!!!" get together shindig would be more than acceptable.

Next year also means that for the first time in my entire life, I will experience life as a non-student. I don't even know what that means or what that will entail, but I am also excited for that, even though (hopefully!) it will be short-lived. Next year also means applying to doctoral programs, all, with the exception of one, which will be out of state. I've never lived outside of the D or Mitten before. So the year after next, pending I get accepted AND full funding for a phd program in musicology, will be  scary and exciting all bundled together.

I learned this year that I am more than capable of getting through the bad stuff. At the time I did not think I could make it through all in one piece, but I managed to pull it together, keep calm and carry on. It let me know that I do indeed possess the strength to keep swimming and find the shore (funny analogy considering I can't really swim). I've come to appreciate even more my independence and ability to take care of myself, that I have and am still more than ok with going against the crashing waves (another water reference, ten points to me!). Even hearing and seeing all of the hatred happening around the country, reading comments about how African Americans are animals, how we all deserve to be locked up, I love my sweet caramel honey skin color and wouldn't change it for the world.

This year was very enlightening in terms of who people truly are both inside and out.

And no matter what, I will continue being a strong and independent black woman who will graduate in 2015 with short hair and a Masters degree in musicology.

2015: BRING. IT.