Next Chapter

If I was asked a month ago or even a couple of weeks ago, "what are your plans?" I couldn't even answer the question. But as of this past Monday, I have accepted a position at the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission. So I will be moving to Maryland in the near future as well as starting the Community Planning Program at the University of Maryland. I am definitely grateful for this opportunity and living in the Birmingham, Al area as well as attending UAB, completing the  MPA program.

Graduation

I did graduate and I did complete my program at UAB. I earned my Masters in Public Administration as well as a Non-Profit Management Certificate. Special thanks to ALL that has helped me on my educational journey!! Special shout out to my Dad, Mom, Granny, Aunts, and Uncle Randy!

Graduation Pictures

Man...is Kristen graduating AGAIN???

Yes! I am graduating again by the grace of GOD!!! I will graduate with my Masters in Public Administration along with a Non-Profit Management Certificate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

I started the program in the Fall of 2011 and I will finish it in the Spring of 2013. It took me 5 semesters to complete, enrolled as a full time student (3 classes/9 hours/Graduate course load).

As of now, the ceremony will take place Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Bartow Arena on the University's campus.

                                Anyway, stay tuned and be on the look out for the next chapter in my life...

Nepotism

Should Nepotism annoys us? I would immediately answer with "HELL YEAH"but later on change my answer to  " of course not".
Being that I am a first generation college student in my family, that not only completed studies at 4-year institution and earned 2 Bachelors degrees but I'm the first in my family to earn a Masters degree (Sp 2013). Since I am the first, I have to build my own reputation that isn't based on legacy. I'm not arguing that people who were able to leave a legacy and let their children or family members walk in the back door is wrong but if they don't display the desired skills why should they have a free pass?
When I interned with a particular organization, I got my first dose of nepotism. Because I didn't understand or recognize what was really going on, it drove me CRAY-ZEE! I've been volunteering, hence internship for this organization working on a big project. I've indicated with them  that I was interested in being permanent or a paid intern on numerous occuasions. Before my internship ended, I really stressed that I need employment and that was a priority. However, about a month later they called me and asked if I wanted to work on the big project again....but as a volunteer. WTH! So, I agreed only so I can talk to the person in charge and ask for compensation this time around. Obviously, they liked my work, if they are calling me back, Right? So when I get back, there's this new guy who has been HIRED to do the same task I was doing when I was interning. *raised eyebrow*. After this incident I spoke with my mentor and she said "Look at the relationship" and sure enough there was a relationship.

So how can people like me--who are qualified, dedicated, and passionate overcome nepotism?

NAACP Presidential Resignation

        After careful consideration, I am sad to say that I resigned from my post as the President of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) chapter of the NAACP.

        I decided that I needed to focus on the next phase in my life. Spring 2013 is my final semester in the Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program at UAB and I should focus on my BIG Graduate Research Paper (GRP), looking for employment, and applying to doctoral programs.

        I will remain a member of the organization as well as the Co-Chair of the Political Action Committee of the Alabama State Conference of the Division of Youth and College.

I would like to thank the members of the UAB chapter for letting me serve as their President. 

Say Hello to the new Alabama State Conference NAACP Youth & College Division Political Action Committee Co-Chair!!!

      I know the title is long but hey! I'm excited about this endeavor. I never served in a leadership postion at the state level, until now.
I was appointed this position about 2 weeks ago. I also serve as the President of the NAACP at UAB. I am definitely up for the challenge.
          I hope to leave the legacy of establishing connections and mentorships in the community for members of the Youth and College Division of the Alabama State Conference NAACP, so the elders can feel confident in "passing the torch" to the next generation that they have trained and equipped  for tomorrow.

According to the Washington, DC Branch here are my duties in a nutshell....

Political Action Committee

The Political Action Committee works to ensure voter empowerment through providing awareness, training, and programmatic support to ensure registration, education, administration, and election protection.  The NAACP has developed a nonpartisan voter empowerment program  designed to empower African American and people of color by increasing awareness and participation in the electoral process.  The Political Action Committee will support the NAACP’s mission to ensure political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination, through implementing the following initiatives:

• A series of voter education forums addressing DC Vote and ward specific issues
• Issue focused political action notifications through social media usage
• Local DC and Federal advocacy days and facilitating meetings with elected officials
• Get Out The Vote (GOTV), voter registration and poll transportation
• Partnering with local and national civic organizations to address pertinent issues
• Informing the electorate of candidate views, to hold elected officials accountable.

I look forward to doing great things and serving my fellow youth and college division colleagues!

Entitlement and the Millennials

     Recently, I was able to sit in on a "teaching moment" and I would have to admit that I somewhat disagree with the facilitator as far his/her views on millennials aka Generation Y.

      He/She mentioned that Gen Y-ers are so stuck on "Entitlements" just because they feel entitled or that they should have something because they should (I hope that makes sense).
I feel that anyone who has worked their ass off, should be granted success (I don't agree with Romney's view...another blog post). There's a difference between going through the motions and doing work versus working your ass off everyday, so that you can go to the next step or have better life.
       Anyway, he/she used the example of college students--now a days college students feel that they should make $60k right out of school. I think that's steep but if the college student have the credentials, why not expect the most, when you know your worth and you've completed a number of hours for an internship or two?
        Me, on the other hand, growing up in South, I've been reminded repeatedly, (1)graduate from high school, (2) don't get pregnant, (3) get a college education (aka Bachelors degree), and (4) THEN, get married and have children. So now that I am 25 years old (closer to 26), I feel a little entitled because I've done all of those things and I'm close to completing my Masters degree. Sooooo...where's my husband and children? I know they will eventually come but I say all of this because when you are taught something, accustomed to hearing something over and over, and you comply with the rules. You expect certain things and you feel entitled to certain things...ijs.
       Back to the college students example...we are taught that if you invest in your education, you will be better off than the person who didn't attend college, or the statistics about how much more money you will make than the person who didn't attend college, and etc. So are we trying to hold ourselves accountable or the people who convinced us that we will be better off if we attend college? Or Based on our understanding of attending college we have high expectations?