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.