BE INSPIRIED

Cum Laude (3.56 Cumulative GPA) Dean’s List Fall 2022 (3.50 GPA) Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice  Associate of Science in Law Enforcement 

First and foremost, I want to thank my mom who has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter, of which none of this is possible without her. I'd like to also thank Mrs. Elizabeth McMurrian, CEO and Founder of YCMI. Over the years, Mrs. McMurrian and YCMI have served as constant sources of hope, love, strength, and encouragement for myself as well as so many others. I am beyond blessed and thankful to have Mrs. McMurrian and the YCMI Foundation for Girls family.

Since becoming a member of YCMI Foundation for Girls, I have been afforded the opportunity to not only be a part of a sisterhood and community much larger than I could have possibly imagined, but I have also been able to use the tools and knowledge that I have been blessed with to reflect on the type of woman that I want to be. 

I would like to believe that I have always been hard working and dedicated to my faith, family, friends, and my future. I call these things that I value my “Big F’s”. While the first three are a little more self-explanatory, I believe that the latter requires more explanation on my part. My future is and has always been so important to me. Growing up, and even now, I have always pushed myself to work harder, be smarter, and grow a little more and more every day.

On Saturday, December 17, 2022, I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, and an Associate of Science in Law Enforcement. In the 3 years that it took for me to complete my degree plans, I worked as a resident assistant, receptionist, peer mentor, cashier, and tutor. I started a small business, started my fitness journey, started going to counseling services, and so many other things. Although I battled with my mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, I not only overcame these challenges, with the constant reminder that “You Can Make It”, I used what could have been my stumbling blocks as motivation. Mrs. McMurrian and the YCMI staff, thank you again for all that you have done.

It was my pleasure to be an honorary speaker at the 1st YCMI “All Girls Rock Summer Camp." Before I get into all about me, I would like to take a moment to personally thank Mrs. Elizabeth McMurrian, CEO and Founder of YCMI. Without her, this sisterhood and support system we are blessed with today would not be here. As a member of YCMI, I received my first scholarship ever to further my education. And continuous support throughout my college matriculation at Clark Atlanta University. I would also like to personally address Former Mayor Marilyn Strickland, who also attended the Illustrious Clark Atlanta University and one of my inspirations to choose my HBCU. As a girl from Tacoma, Washington I never imagined I’d be where I am today. And here's a little back story on why.
 

I can honestly say now I wasn't the best kid growing up. I talked back, fought, got kicked out of 2 high schools, and barely graduated believe it or not. It wasn’t that I couldn't make the grades, but I was so distracted in life. I didn't have the desire to succeed. And to be only 15 years old and feel that way. It was scary. I even contemplated doing the most selfish thing anyone could do. Because I felt hurt, alone and scared, but look at me now. I told myself daily God wouldn't put you through it if he couldn’t get you through it. And thank God he did right on time.
 

Today, I can humbly say I made it, and you can make it too. I look back now at the 17-year-old me that was so scared but motivated to succeed. She packed all her bags and moved across the country to further her education and start a new life not knowing if it all would work out but trusting in God it would.
No, I am only 22 years old, and the first in my family to attend college and graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I’ve been blessed to study abroad in Spain, travel to different states to represent my university, buy my first car, own my first apartment, and secured a full-time job as a Medical Assistant at the top Dermatology practice in Georgia. The journey wasn’t easy, but nothing that lasts comes without hard work and dedication.
 

Each person finds that drive and inspiration to obtain their dreams in different ways. And once you find that, you’ll know right away that the journey you are on is meant for you and only you. As I close out, I want to leave you ladies with some advice I wish I had at your age. Don’t give up when things seem impossible to reach. Don’t listen to those people who tell you because of your past or DNA, you’ll never be successful. Do the things that make you happy, that make you feel joy. Never compromise your mental health and happiness for any man, and I mean any. The world needs strong women and never apologize for being authentically you. Each of you ladies have a purpose in the world, and I can’t wait to be there when you achieve it.
 

Thank you for allowing me to be vulnerable and share my story. I hope it is reassuring for someone. YOU CAN MAKE IT! I wish I could be there in person with you and embrace the beautiful sisterhood YCMI has grown. Thank you again Mrs. Elizabeth for this opportunity. And a special thank you to my grandmother Mrs. Falyssia Lowe for your welcoming me into YCMI and for your endless guidance, motivation, and prayer over my life.
 

Stay pretty, Stay blessed, and remember “Once a YCMI girl, always a YCMI girl.”