Author: Alexis

The most memorable moment of my life was opening my first college admissions email congratulating me on my acceptance. My ecstatic reaction was heard down the hall. And that elation continued in the next several weeks as I was accepted to all twelve colleges I’d set my sights on. Over a decade later, I can’t remember a time in my life when I felt more proud and accomplished. 

I didn’t have a typical upbringing because I went to school two and a half hours away from home, a boarding prep school called The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT. Picture a miniature version of a secluded college campus where most students were white, privileged, and accustomed to an unparalleled education. 

But let me caveat—I was not like them. I grew up in Queens, New York, where the population is over 2 million, and almost half are foreign-born. Imagine the world’s most crowded, ethnically diverse public school system, where one could get easily lost. And I was lost for a while until my fortune was turned by a program called Prep for Prep. Prep for Prep is a gifted education program dedicated to expanding educational access to students of color.

The program consists of a 14-month rigorous academic component to prepare students to be placed in some of the country’s most elite, private, and boarding schools. When I say I was a determined 12-year-old, it’s an where to buy winstrol understatement. I worked harder in those 14 months than ever in my adult life,  going to school on weekends and over two summers on top of my regular school schedule. 

But there was also the issue of money. I grew up in a six-family household with two parents and three sisters. My father was in law enforcement, and my mother was a receptionist for a non-profit. While we had all the essentials, we crammed ourselves into two-bedroom apartments and forwent any luxuries like travel, dining out, or extracurricular activities—not even sports. I spent most of my summers reading and writing little stories to keep myself busy.  

But Hotchkiss provided a free ride and access to Olympic-sized sports facilities and music, art, and dance facilities compared to colleges. Slowly but surely, my extracurricular activities list grew to include softball, cross country, track, music, student government, and more, setting me up for college. This achievement would never have been possible without the help of programs like Prep for Prep and Adopt A Destiny, where college preparedness for students of color is prioritized. 

Not only did they help me prepare for boarding school life, but they also provided the cultural awareness and community to handle the drastic changes. They set me up for some of my life’s hardest, most rewarding, and fantastic moments. I am forever grateful for them and determined to give back through volunteerism. 

I hope to help a determined student of color one day feel the joy of opening a college acceptance email with the magical words of congratulations.

It’s the first day of college orientation. You take a deep breath as you open the door to your home for the next year. You’ve envisioned meeting your roommate many times. You two hit it off immediately in your visions because of your mutual interest and fondness for a quiet environment. But you open the door to find within the first 20 minutes that they are nothing like you imagined. Being a college freshman can be exhilarating but can also be filled with challenges, like roommate issues, financial struggles, and homesickness, to name a few. 

Dealing with a Difficult Roommate

One of the most common scenarios is the one we just described. Sharing a space with someone is never easy, especially when it’s most likely the first time for both. The best way to make it work is through over-communication. Try to understand your roommate’s boundaries and expectations, but also express yours once you’ve listened. Set some rules from the beginning that you can agree upon and refer back to. If conflicts arise, settle them calmly and try to come to a compromise. But if the nightmare takes a toll on your mental and physical health, there is typically a Residential Assistant (RA) who can help mediate. 

Life Beyond Kansas 

Stepping onto campus and leaving everything you know behind can feel like Dorothy landing in Oz. There will be times of transition that may lead to anxiety and homesickness. But it will pass for most, mainly by keeping busy. Get involved in campus activities as soon as possible by speaking to your assigned Academic Advisor or searching the college intranet for clubs, community service, or study groups. And whenever you need a taste of home, dedicate a small amount of time to calling home. Make your favorite dishes from home or decorate your dorm room with items from home. 

Financial Constraints

Leaving home has the benefit of more freedom, but for most, that also entails no finances. This could mean working a job all while juggling a demanding school schedule. Many colleges participate in Federal Work Study programs, receiving funds for part-time employment for needy students. This means a student can get a campus job from the institution, alleviating financial and logistical stress. If this is not an option, many colleges offer financial literacy classes to help students understand how to manage their finances as best they can.

Struggle to Build Connections

Finding new friends will be challenging, especially if you were popular in high school. However, Everyone is going through many changes, and adjusting takes effort. You’ll also be meeting new people in the same boat as you. Making friends takes time, so don’t stress if it doesn’t happen immediately. Just be patient; soon enough, your social life will thrive again.

Avoiding Temptations

We’ve all heard of the Freshman 15, where students often gain weight due to eating inexpensive processed foods to save a buck. Additionally, when you’re on your own with several new responsibilities and temptations, finding an escape from drugs and alcohol is not out of the realm of possibility. The first step to maintaining good health is a good night’s sleep. Try sleeping 8-9 hours a night, even if it means foregoing a party with friends. Then, maintain an exercise regime. It will keep you busy, reduce stress, combat those extra calories, and away from the distractions that are habit forming. 

Bottom Line

So, if you’re about to start college for the first time or are a parent of a child embarking on their college journey, know that there will be challenges—all of which can be overcome. In the end, college is the dream that most students strive to achieve and will provide opportunities that would otherwise be unattainable. Tell us about your challenges as a college freshman and how you overcame them.

The American Dream consists of two components: making it big and paying it forward. If you’ve ever volunteered for a non-profit or donated to a charity, you have taken part in that American Dream. Non-profits throughout the country work to promote it by offering assistance to those who need it most so that they get out from under and make it. National Nonprofit Day commemorates that spirit every year on August 17th and recognizes the significance of nonprofits in our local communities. 

History of National NonProfit Day

In 2017, a beautiful black author and speaker named Sherita J. Herring wanted to encourage everyone to be the change they wanted to see. She established the day to highlight that recognizing the need to help others is important. And August 17th was the day The Tariff Act of 1894 was signed into law. It imposed the first federal income tax on corporations but provided exclusions for charitable organizations. These incentives make the nonprofit and the American dream more accessible. 

According to the National Centre for Charitable Statistics, the United States boasts a remarkable 1.5 million registered organizations. These organizations play a pivotal role in community growth, offering essential services such as food banks, affordable housing, healthcare, legal guidance, and education. Additionally, the nonprofit sector contributes immensely to after-school programs, providing invaluable daycare services to these communities.

Moreover, the nonprofit sector substantially contributes to the national economy, employing professionals spanning fields such as law, engineering, and nursing. Following the recession in 2012, this sector made a staggering contribution of up to $887.3 billion, constituting 5.4% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.”

How Can You Observe this Day?

The reason to celebrate nonprofits is self-explanatory, but it helps to recognize the many benefits that nonprofits offer us. They provide employment opportunities and are consumers of goods and services. This, in turn, contributes to the economy. Furthermore, nonprofits hit on the hard topics that have the potential to be swept under the rug. Topics range from disease to education to equality. This promotes awareness and sensitivity to combat the in-your-face realities of capitalism or one of the many other -isms. 

While charitable foundations rely heavily on donations to keep the lights on, it’s not the only way to help. This National Nonprofit Day, you can celebrate by volunteering. Helping Hands is very much the foundation and walls of a nonprofit. If that’s not an option, research ways you can support your community. Perhaps shop at local businesses that partner with nonprofit organizations. Or start the project that gets you out and about, thinking of the community’s needs.

And It’s Working Well In Many Ways 

Many of us find fulfilment in volunteering or donating. In fact, according to Define Financial, Americans gave a record $471 billion to charities in 2020 despite the COVID pandemic. This shows that even during hard times, Americans want to lend a helping hand.  Sixty per cent of American households give back. That’s a pretty impressive number showing that most Americans understand the importance of paying it forward. 

But There Are Still Challenges

Despite all the good, nonprofits face several challenges today. Creating awareness and standing out is one of them. Even with social media allowing any organization access to millions, getting the traction needed to differentiate from others can be a hurdle. Because government funding is limited, nonprofits must find new and creative ways to fundraise. This takes a lot of effort and dedicated talent that can be hard to come by.  

We encourage you to think about how you can help a nonprofit overcome some of these challenges! And let us know in the comments what that would look like for you. 

We all know about Mother’s and Father’s Day, but did you know there is a day dedicated to aunts and uncles? July 26th is National Aunt and Uncle’s Day, a time to appreciate the sometimes-overlooked members of our families.

Our aunts and uncles can play a special role in our lives, providing love, support, and guidance. They can be like second parents or great friends who are always there for us.

On National Aunt and Uncle’s Day, take some time to reflect on the special people in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate them for all they do.

But the Relationship Goes Both Ways

But the Relationship Goes Both Ways

Then there is what nieces and nephews offer aunts and uncles in return. Many men and women do not become parents for various reasons, whether by choice or not. Yet, they, too, find fulfilment in being a part of the lives of their siblings’ children. My role as Ti Ti Alexi to my two nephews has taught me about authentic love and the kind of parent I could be. I find great pride and joy in helping raise them. I can’t wait to walk with them on their educational journey.

Then there is what nieces and nephews offer aunts and uncles in return. Many men and women do not become parents for various reasons, whether by choice or not. Yet, they, too, find fulfilment in being a part of the lives of their siblings’ children. My role as Ti Ti Alexi to my two nephews has taught me about authentic love and the kind of parent I could be. I find great pride and joy in helping raise them. I can’t wait to walk with them on their educational journey.

The Unknown History of National Aunt and Uncle Day

The Unknown History of National Aunt and Uncle Day
It’s unclear just when the dedicated day was established, but
the importance of aunts and uncles
is
backed by psychologists and demonstrated in modern media
(shout out to Uncle Phil of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!) Despite a lack of origin, I’d like to think this particular set of relatives has been celebrated unofficially in one way or another. I can think of several representations in literature. For example, Aunt March in Little Women was pivotal to her niece’s character arcs in Little Women. It’s not a coincidence that the national personification of the US is Uncle Sam.

Traditions for the Uncle’s Day?

Traditions for the Uncle’s Day
?
go to this website

You can write them a letter, get them that little gift, take them on an adventure, cook a meal or spend time with them. They’ll appreciate the effort, and it’s a great way to spend quality time together. No matter what you choose to do, make sure your aunts and uncles know how much you appreciate them. They’re sure to cherish the memories you create together.

We would love to hear from you in the comments about your favourite aunt or uncle and all they have to offer. Do you have any ideas on celebrating National Aunt and Uncle’s Day? Let us know in the comment section.

We would love to hear from you in the comments about your favourite aunt or uncle and all they have to offer. Do you have any ideas on celebrating National Aunt and Uncle’s Day? Let us know in the comment section.

Imagine the reaction of African American ancestors when they first heard that they were free. Would it have been a shock? Were there tears of joy or cries of jubilation? Perhaps they felt paralysis, resentment, or even a mix of all the feelings. Centuries later, people would commemorate that moment all across the country. Imagine if they knew!

Imagine the reaction of African American ancestors when they first heard that they were free. Would it have been a shock? Were there tears of joy or cries of jubilation? Perhaps they felt paralysis, resentment, or even a mix of all the feelings. Centuries later, people would commemorate that moment all across the country. Imagine if they knew!

What is Juneteenth?

What is Juneteenth?
On June 19th, 1865, the Union soldiers officially announced that the Civil War was over, and slaves were free in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Since then, the day has been known as “Freedom Day” or “Juneteenth Independence Day.” While Juneteenth was widely celebrated in Texas, it was not until 2021 that President Joe Biden declared it a federal holiday, and its observance became nationwide.
going here

How Does the Black Community Celebrate?

How Does the Black Community Celebrate?
Some celebrate the holiday with family gatherings, barbecues, or speeches.
For many, it is simply a time for reflection and deliberation.
 In Galveston,

Good Vibes in the Park Juneteenth Celebration – Harlem, NY

How will I Celebrate?

How will I Celebrate?
I’ll celebrate by acknowledging the achievements in the black community since then and rejoicing in how far we’ve come. But I’ll also assess the remaining
socio-economic gaps
. I’ll visualize a future where low-income minorities have the resources they need to complete their college educations and see doors open for themselves – a future where they will have built the generational wealth that has eluded the black community in America.

How Can You Celebrate?

How Can You Celebrate?

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, think of how to spread love and light. Reach out to a friend of color and wish them a happy commemoration day. Think of supporting the black community in your city. Visit black-owned businesses or donate to organizations committed to minority empowerment. Understand how the history has impacted your life. Or thank those who gave you a leg up in your education or career.

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, think of how to spread love and light. Reach out to a friend of color and wish them a happy commemoration day. Think of supporting the black community in your city. Visit black-owned businesses or donate to organizations committed to minority empowerment. Understand how the history has impacted your life. Or thank those who gave you a leg up in your education or career.

However you choose to celebrate, what’s important is that you just celebrate! And I would love to hear all about it when you do. Let me know in the comments, or email us your pictures. Have a proud and happy Juneteenth!

However you choose to celebrate, what’s important is that you just celebrate! And I would love to hear all about it when you do. Let me know in the comments, or email us your pictures. Have a proud and happy Juneteenth!