I might be in the minority when I say this--the pandemic has been one of the best things to happen to me. I want to start out by saying I am blessed to not have lost any loved ones due to the pandemic. Before the pandemic I was in school, first year in college, in an awkward stage in life, trying to find my purpose. Almost two years later I am healthier than ever. I took my health and wellness serious these past months. Changed my daily routine, cut processed foods out of my diet, started being more active, and going out in nature more. This change has boosted not only my daily mood, but my family's since we are all under the same roof for the first time in a while, they've taken on some of my new healthy habits. That's the other thing--my relationship with my family has never been better. Times like theses is what's either going to break you or build you up. I am grateful beyond words that the virus didn't affect me negatively. "Lockdown" sort of gave me the peace I needed. I was so busy before, running around and not making time for myself. It was nice to stop and smell the roses. I started a candle business during the pandemic. @candledwithcare on all socials ;). Before, I found it hard to make time for interests, hobbies or passions. It was just: wake up, school, extra curriculars, work, bed, then all over again. Now I am doing what I love. Making candles, sharing my art with the world. It was even nicer to have my parents home more than ever before, watching movies, having the funniest conversations, and being able to be home to watch my little brothers grow up.

One thing about me--I go for what I want. No matter how ridiculous my goals may seem to others, or how difficult the hardships to get there might seem to me, I make sure I give my all. This mentality might stem from being a first-generation college student, knowing a lot of pressure and expectations are on me, or it could be the fact I'm the oldest sibling and have two younger brothers who look up to me. Whatever the case may be, my resilience is one of my favorite attributes. There are a number of stories I could choose to write about, but I'll go with the one that took place my sophomore year of high school. My parents did all that they could to send me to Bishop Ireton High School on scholarship and financial aid. The girls' lacrosse team was consecutively top 10 in the state and was known as the best and most successful team of the school. I remember I was at lunch talking with friends. Somehow the conversation was centered around sports and how I was the only one who wasn't on a team. My friends jokingly tell me I should try out for lacrosse. We all know how this goes, I say I will, they say I won't, and the rest is history. Mind you, not only have I never played a game of lacrosse in my life, I've never heard of the sport before that year. So, I wake up everyday at 5am to make it to workouts before school, then go to off-season practice with the team afterschool. I went from doing absolutely no physical activity--other than walking to the fridge--to working out and running more than 5 times a week. This not only was physically challenging but mentally and emotionally draining. There were times I didn't want to wake up for workouts or times I wanted to skip after school practice, but tryouts were in a couple of weeks and I was not going to let myself forget my goal. I made friends with the girls on the team and learned the rules of the game and gained pointers. Then----tryouts, I remember we had to run a timed mile and give it my all feeling as if I was going to faint. All the girls on the team were extremely fast, it felt like it was nothing to them. Then, I got the email. The coach tells me my mile was the slowest and although I've made exceptional improvement since when I've started, maybe being team manager would be best fit. I remember getting that email like it was yesterday. My heart dropped, had a teary-eyed moment, but my 16-year-old self wasn't going to take no for an answer. I email the coach back saying although I appreciate the offer I'd love to prove myself worthy of a space on the team. We came to an agreement that I'll still practice with the team and see how comfortable I am when the first game approaches. Next week, it's the first game and I'm starting? The coach must've been in a great mood because I remember being shocked mixed with the jitters. In a matter of the first 10 minutes of the game, I had made my first goal--and received my first yellow card. I felt so much joy in that moment, and moments later when the whole team celebrated me, and even later when my friends congratulated me, but most of all when I went home and it settled in how I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.

Chopped and Screwed (Fo Real) - Over it- Summer Walker's album (yes this is an album but the way it had my college experience in a chokehold--it deserves) - Freestyle- Lil baby (this whole freestyle was downloaded and stamped into all of our brains and we just woke up one day rapping it word for word) - Face the World- Nipsey Hussle (Best bars, best message, 10/10) - Fractions- Nicki n them (WHATTTTTTT finally the best mixtape is out and we don't have to go to Youtube to listen to 'Itty Bitty Piggy,' no more. Plus new songs? Loved that for us.) - Good Day- Nappy Roots (I love starting my days with uplifting songs--very crucial to start the day. This was one of the songs for that!) - Pure Souls- Kanye ft. Roddy Ricch (Last song I listened to on my way to school, amazing, album has been on repeat along with CLB) - Get Along Better- Drake (Had to)

I might be in the minority when I say this--the pandemic has been one of the best things to happen to me. I want to start out by saying although I have lost no loved ones due to the pandemic, there has been a great loss around the world which I am saddened by. Before the pandemic I was in school, first year in college, trying to find my purpose. Almost two years later I am healthier than ever. I took my health and wellness serious these past months. Changed my daily routine, cut processed foods out of my diet, started being more active, and going out in nature more. This change has boosted not only my daily mood, but my family's since we are all under the same roof for the first time in a while, they've taken some of my new healthy habits. That's the other thing--my relationship with my family has never been better. I guess that's one of the two results that's going to come with being quarantined under the same roof for quite some time. I am grateful beyond words that the virus didn't affect me negatively. "Lockdown" sort of gave me the peace I needed. I was so busy before, running around and not making time for myself. It was nice to stop and smell the roses. I started a candle business during the pandemic. @candledwithcare on all socials ;). Before, I found it hard to make time for interests, hobbies or passions. It was just: wake up, school, extra curriculars, work, bed, then all over again. Now I am doing what I love. Making candles, sharing my art with the world. It was even nicer to have my parents home more than ever before, watching movies, having the funniest conversations, and being able to be home to watch my brothers grow up. .

I am a black woman. To be honest sometimes I feel like the world tends to weigh us down. Racism, sexism, hidden prejudice, and all the limitations that come with being put in those little boxes. We are often overlooked or underestimated and told that you should wait our turn. Being black in America we deal with the racism and prejudice--whether that be from people of other races or our own government and institutions that are meant to serve and protect us. We are also women so even in black spaces we can deal with prejudice. As a black woman it feels like we have no support group but ourselves. No group of persons in America--or dare I say the world--is more disrespected and disregarded like the black woman. This does not discourage me, in fact this lights a fire under me to wake up everyday and be great, despite the adversities. When I look at other black women, whether that be great women that came before me, or my peers, I see myself. I see all the potential in the world. I am inspired by black women, I am motivated by black women and I am supported by black women. A friend of mine and I have started a group where we host events for black women whether that be yoga, healing circles, or simply a support group of black women. We plan to go bigger and will branch out to a non-profit in the future where we can host events, groups all over the tri-state area. We want to make safe spaces and strong community groups for our black women.