REFLECTION

WHAT I’VE LEARNED
The most important thing I have learned this semester is that anything is possible with hard work, research and dedication.
REFLECTION
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After reading my blog I got a rush of excitement. I was able to see the bad and the good experience that has helped me grow this semester. I started out a confused about my goal in life and after following a few steps, I realized my touchstone and from that developed a goal that suits my personality type. I realize that in order to accomplish my goal I must work hard to attain my degrees and set goals. This semester I set a short-term goal and I was able to make that dream come true, through hard work and dedication. That alone has been positive reinforcement that hard work pays off.
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This semester has been filled with blessings. I am actually doing the things that I really want to be doing versus what I think will bring me money. I am truly happy and looking forward to the next five years of my life.
For the first time, I interviewed people that are actually doing what I want to be doing. Professor Atuahene has had a great influence on my hard work and positive attitude. On a daily basis, I recall many of the things from our conversation and they motivate me more than I can explain. From the one conversation we had, I feel like she is kind of a mentor. I intend to keep in touch with her and learn a great deal from her. The best thing that happened to me this semester is growth. I grew from not knowing and inquiring. As professor Atuahene told me, “Inadequacy allows one to grow.” In the past when I felt inadequate I would easily give up, however, after hearing that comment form professor Atuahene, I knew right then that feeling of inadequate is not necessarily a bad thing. For such a smart woman to say that Inadequacy is equivalent to growth; I knew I was on the right track.
Other activities that I participated in for the first time is Yoga and kick boxing. I used to box as a hobby from elementary to high school. I loved boxing! But I like kick boxing more because it is more lady like. I enjoyed yoga as well.
Next semester,
Professor Atuhene should be a guest speaker. Although her career may not fall in many peoples career path, she is a smart and successful black woman. She is doing what she really wants to be doing and loving it!

I enjoyed the class 1.conversations, 2. professor’s sense of humor and especially appreciate3. professor Rockquemores dedication to us. The motivation emails from the café in Iowa did it for me. THANK YOU A BUNCH DIVA PROF!

Suggestions
I Love this course, I think it should be proposed as a requirement course sophomore year in college. It will help people find their path before they get in to a major they’ll probably regret. I would also suggest that the planning wall be a big chunk of the grade (probably put in place as a final project) that way people are forced to put real thought into the course and their future.

WORK IT GIRL!!!! LOL

Its been a great and successful semester but it is coming to an end sooner than I like.... :( This semester has been very fulfilling and these next few weeks will be hectic!

Fist Steps...
I had a long list of first steps because I know if I wrote them down they would all get done. It's something about reading the list in front of the class that makes me feel obligated to completing my first steps.

Complete purchasing ticket to Morocco. COMPLETED and paid in full! :)
Attend Study Abroad pre-departure orientation. I completed this on Friday at 10am; the orientation was very informative and helped a great deal in packing both for Nigeria and Morocco.

Send out Application for Visa~ My application has been sent out, I am praying and keeping my fingers crossed that my visa arrives before I leave for Nigeria! : % I have been trying to contact the Moroccan Consulate to check if there is a possible express issuance; I never knew trying to get someone on the phone could be so hard.

Obtained traveling Insurance. ~~Got to be safe! ~

The hardest assignment was my immunizations, ONLY because I am scared to death of needles, (I had to shed a few tears) Immunization is COMPLETE!

Last but not least I have started studying for finals!

AHHHHH.... that feels good but I am STRESSED OUT!

Business Meeting

Okay so I have finalized who my permanent BUDDY will be, My Lil' Sis Bakare!

This week we discussed moving before next semester, we decided that moving will be beneficial as far as space and we can get a place for the price that I am currently paying.
We decided that we would call around our area of interest for available apartments.

We also discussed my progress with preparing for my trip. She made a few personal suggestions regarding my traveling. I am glad I spoke to her because Lil' Sis Bakare was able to see things that I couldn't.

During my Sunday Meeting I planned out my week...A little TMI for my Blog!

My plans for this week
Monday-->
* GO TO WORK (try to enjoy it; keep an open mind!) Completed
*After workshop til 8 pm.
*Develop an introduction for my English 222 paper.
Tuesday--->
*Complete paper for presentation
* Write at least 5 pages towards English 222 paper
* Immunization
*Return library books
Wed.-->
*Complete English 222 paper
*Create last presentation for English 114
*Set up an appointment with an immigration officer
Thursday-->
*Present English 114 paper
*Meet with Econ professor (set up a date to take my finals)
*GET my hair washed and styled!!! PAMPER MYSELF!!!!
*Start on Econ II assignment and study
Friday
*Go to Mosque
*Work either 3-11 or 11-7 ;( unfortunately I have to give them hours for the three months that I will be out of the country! (So a minimum of twelve days before I leave, SIX MORE to go....;(

Saturday
*Work at some point, hopefully a sitter case! (Loll)
*Study during the day and early evening
*Party like a ROCK STAR at night

Sunday--->
*Study
*Work

Monday--->
Work


Before the end of the week I'll be out of the country.... The workload is hell of a lot. GOD helps me through it!
~~~~~~~~~~>>>>Nigeria, HERE I COME<<<<<~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ahhhh.... fresh Air and more!!!

First step for this week was to complete my registration for my Study Abroad Program,
1st-This means completing my application, paying my fees(which means going to this darn job that I hate!) and getting my immunizations by setting up a doctors appointment.
SO...
I had an appointment for teusday 4-14, I found out that my insurance does not cover my immunization and I have to come up with $360 US Dollars(:( ) before friday because my application is due on Friday. (In the works)
Next weeks first step is to have my application completed! Plus immunization
Purchase travelers insurance $$$
Put down my security deposit for study abroad$$$$$$
Purchase my ticket for Morocco, and extend my ticket for Nigeria.
Awww.... this is alot but it's got to get done!

2nd-
I will be leaving for Nigeria in May, my next step is to start shopping for things that I need.
So...
I've completed half of my shopping as far as clothes and safety needs(Medication, First Aid Kit etc.)
next weeks first step is to complete my packing! COMPLETEELY!

BUDDY....
Finding a buddy has been of a difficult task.
But this week I used my cousin Janet as my buddy, she is cool, we talk about our process of finding our goal in life all the time!
Okay,
I discussed my fear with her.
My fear is not knowing what to expect in Africa and being overwhelmed by the expenses that I am incurring.
She said take it one step at a time, write down all that I have to do, how much it costs and when do I need to complete it by.

We also discussed potential adventures that I can involve myself with whie in Africa.
While on this trip I intend to meet with the Nigerian governor, Fashola and interview him regarding potentials for working with Lagos in the future. As well as volunteer work that i can participate in this summer while I am in Africa. I called my father and discussed this with him.... and you wouldn't believe what happened next!
My father gave me the Governors number!
So, I will be calling him to introduce myself, possibly interviewing him and setting up an appointment while on my visit! (I am nervous to interview him, so i postponed the interview for later this week.)


We talked

"The only thing to fear, is fear itself!" FDR

My First Steps

This week, I commited to three first steps and I am in the process of completing my last step.

My first step was to set up an appointment with UIC's student career center to revise and edit my resumee. My appointment is set for Thursday at 3:30pm.

My second step was to search for a new job perferably a paid internship, I have researched a few  internships through UIC's  Economics department, I intend to continue  searching until I find the perfect match. I will begin applying after the revision of my resumee. Since  I have been researching I found a work study position that pays well. The position is to tutor Chicago Public High School Students. I think this position may satisfy my craving for a position that allows me to help people on a non personal level, which is the case with the current position I hold! I know hate is a strong word, but I hate MY JOB! (LOL)

My third first step is to apply for the MLK  Scholarship. I have completed the essay and the application I am cureently waiting on my two  letters of recommendation. 

REVISED PLANNING WALL COMPLETE FOR THE NEXT YEAR. I AM STILL WORKING ON COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING 4 YEARS.

REFLECTING ON FEAR....

I have a fear of failing. I have always had this fear, but I have been able to control it for the majority of the semester. While working on the final draft of my planning wall, I had a fear of failing. When I think of making it and being successful, I my heart palpates and I sense hot flashes. This feeling reiterates my fear of failing. It helped me realize that I run from what I want because I am afraid that I am not capable of doing so. I control this by thinking to myself, "The only thing to fear, is fear itself." When I felt fearful I thought of my role model, professor Atuahene and her success. It makes me feel better.

Last week I interviewed Diva Prof, I informed her of my intrest to start a group that is similar to our class, Leadership For Change.  She gave me some intresting feedback regarding the course. I will jot them down after confirming with her that it is okay to post the interview. I forgot to ask her permission.