Real Life 101: Lessons Learned Outside of the Classroom
Moderator: Rhonda McLean
Speakers: Shante Bacon, Capricorn Clark, Amy Dubois Barnett, and Cori Murray
So this workshop was kind of like a "tell all, each panelist informed us conference goers of trials and tribulations, risks, successes, haters, fears, highs and lows, etc. that they experienced while climbing their different ladders of success. The panel was a group of women from all walks of life, different professions, images, perspectives; but it was crazy how the chemistry and vibe was on point. If I could have shouted AMEN, I would have been shouting for days. Time Inc's Rhonda McLean was the moderator; she was awesome! I remember her saying We're kicking our shoes off and what's said in this room stays in this room." As an aspiring attorney, she inspired me the most; I hung on to every word that came out of her mouth, "GO... SEE and DO"; referring to how we should approach seeking success, "value yourself, "continue to take risks" "Never stop learning" all things we need to hear. It's so easy for people to become complacent, we get comfortable in our position at work, we're content with our salaries and we are no longer driven hungry. Well that's rubbish! We should never get too comfortable, continue to challenge yourself, enroll in school again, get that Master's or PH. D, ask for a raise, or you know what, QUIT! Capricorn shared her story of how she left Bad Boy as Diddy's assistant, she says that everyone thought she was crazy, that she had the perfect life working for a man of such power and success, traveling, attending the hottest events; but at the end of the day, she wasn't happy. Forget taking your work home with you, this chick neglected her personal life, her family, and friends etc., to cater to her boss. After years of being Diddy's right hand woman, it was time for her to go. And off she went, taking a job where she was paid less and had to start from the bottom. But guess what? That's not it for Ms. Capricorn; she took a risk and has followed her dream to do what she loves. So today I'm Challenging you to challenge yourself, get yourself together women!!! I remember an episode from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when Will was dating Jasmine Guy (Kayla... I think), aunt Viv was tight because Will was distracting her from her studies, she told him that Kayla needed to focus because she was in school on a scholarship and couldn't afford to slip up. She basically told Will that "Kayla's education could be the difference between the Kayla who runs the hospital and the Kayla who cleans it" Which one will you be? After this workshop we were fueled up and pretty much ready to call it a day. We were filled with inspiration and we were ready to take on the world. The fact that we had a long night the night before, were starved, my feet were killed me may have influenced our decision. We took the escalator down and while we riding down Chantel (cousin) reminded me that we paid $35 for this conference and we ought not leave cause we may miss some valuable information. Well boy was right! Thank God for that good ol' Howard Education LOL.
Leah Janell: that was the most powerful one yet I have always been one to say don't stick with one thing reach for the stars chase your dreams and hearing this has motivated me to continue living by that motto... Thanks Kenya
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