2014 WOCS at MSU

If you follow me on any social networks, you know that I've been planning our 2nd Annual Women of Color Summit.  For those that do not know, here's a little background info.

In February 2013, we hosted our inaugural Women of Color Summit. We had approximately 300 attendees with representation from current students, faculty, staff and alumni of Mississippi State University. We truly value your time and contributions to the academic success of students of color at MSU.

Along with the President, Dr. Mark Keenum and Provost & Executive Vice- President, Dr. Jerry Gilbert, we invite you to the 2014 Women of Color Summit entitled, "Changing Lives: Destination Success". On the evening of March 6, 2014, a Women of Color Empowerment Dinner will be held to honor trailblazers that are paying it forward in their respective communities. On Friday, March 7, 2014, we will host an all day summit with primary focus on three critical areas; women empowerment, entrepreneur innovation and academic success. 

This is just the second year for the summit and we have reach our capacity with 500 people registered! I consider myself blessed to work at an institution that places such a high value on issues affecting women of color.  For this is not just a Mississippi State issue, but one that many institutions in the U.S. are facing.  I am honored to be part of such a great cause.

Yesterday, Chasity Swoopes, a student at MSU, and myself took to WCBI to speak on the summit. To watch the clip, click here. Please don't laugh!! Michelle Lowe was spastic so I was spastic too...I think it was an adrenaline rush. Anyway, Chasity did GREAT! She definitely represented for OUR STATE!  I hope that you all are registered, and ready to enjoy 2 days of fun!  Our sessions on Friday will range from financial management, with representatives from the FDIC, to women's health, with a panel of doctors.  If you would like to view our summit agenda, click here.  On Thursday, March 6th, we will honor 4 women of color that have made significant contributions to not only MSU, but to their respective communities.  For Thursday's agenda, click here.

When I accepted this position in June of 2012, I had one thing in mind....to be a servant.  When choosing a college, I wanted to go where I could benefit most...it was all about ME.  When choosing a career, I wanted to go where I could be of service...MSU is the place for me.  I could go on and on about how blessed I am to be in such a position, but you get my point.  There's not a day that passes that I do not thank God for this opportunity; for I know it doesn't happen often.  Each day that I come to work I have one goal in mind....to make an impact and leave a legacy. With the help of God, and great supporters like you all, my goals and dreams will become realities. Thank you.

xo
RAEofsunshine

SYTTD #SandersPartyof2

Those of you that know me and my family, know that we pretty much go all out for everything.  My mom, aunt, mamaw and cousin were kind enough to go wedding dress shopping with me (again).  I found one a while back, but I wasn't completely sold on it. So, we packed up and headed to Arkansas for a day of fun.  Unfortunately  Keitra could attend.  Chandler is only 3 weeks old and she needed to stay home with him. Luckily, we were able to send her photos!  I can not begin to express how thankful I am for such a loving family. They sure know how to make a bride feel special.

My cousin and I packed up and headed to Corinth on Friday afternoon.  Saturday morning, mom and I went to Braxton's basketball game before heading out.  I use to be such a quiet and passive young girl...I wonder what happened to her?  I found myself constantly yelling during Braxton's game.  He did well, but he needs to be a little more aggressive.  Please note: I'm no basketball star or whatever, but he's my little brother and and they are kids so I can pretend.  They won 28-24!

Goooo Braxton!

After Braxton's game we loaded the truck and headed to my appointment.  Thanks to my wonderful cousin, Tila, I have every hour of the day documented! Check her out for your photography needs!

I think it's safe to say that I will only be able to climb over the seats a few more times.  These old bones give me trouble.  The ride was fairly uneventful.....probably because I went to sleep.  After nearly three hours, we arrived at our destination!

Whew! Here we go...ready to say yes to the dress!  Let me be the first to say that I had the BEST consultant. Ms. Paulette was so energetic yet so patient! I can be a little [blah] at times but she was perfect. Before we began, I told my mom, "I hope I get a good consultant. If not, I'll request another." I say that not to be rude, but it's the truth.  In my opinion, a consultant can make or break your experience. If you're ever at Lows Bridal, ask for Ms. Paulette Cartwright!

I must say, wedding dress shopping can be a little overwhelming...but I think I handled it well.

We pulled a few and got started.  Oh, did I mention how great Ms. Paulette was? She actually picked my dress:) It was the first one I tried on and I fell in love.  I tried on a few...uhh couple...well, several more but none could compare to the FIRST! Ahhh love at first sight!  I made my family a few "like" and "dislike" signs and as you can see, mom had no problem expressing her opinions.

Mom and Tila snapping pictures while I try on dresses

If you know me, you know that I get really irritable when I'm hungry. To prevent turning into a monster, I ate breakfast and packed snacks.  After about 3-4 hours my stomach was yelling at "FEED ME". I got hot, antsy and was ready to just pick any dress. Haha..so I knew it was time to end the appointment.  Again, Ms. Paulette made sure I picked the PERFECT gown and she would not let me leave until I was 125% sure of it.  After selecting my gown and accessories, we loaded in the truck and headed to Corinth (of course first stopping for food). Well, my day had finally come to an end.  I was exhausted, but overwhelmed with excitement......as you can see....

Special thanks to my #1 who not once complained about me going dress shopping (again). She made the experience worthwhile and I can not thank you enough for the sacrifices you have made and are making for your children. Love you mom!

So, wedding dress shopping is ova! I said YAAAASSS to the dress! I honestly do not think I could have chosen a more beautiful gown.  I'm so thankful for family members that were patient with me and allowed me to be the BRIDE for the day!  I am soooo excited...I kinda want to wear my dress to church Sunday :) hahaha. But seriously, I am so happy.  I can not wait until Mr. Sanders sees me walking down that aisle :)  To future brides I will say: Take your time choosing your gown and remember, it's what YOU want. 

               

xo

RAEofsunshine

#SANDERSpartyof2

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. 

Proverbs 18:22

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 

Proverbs 31:10

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 

Colossians 3: 18-19

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 

Genesis 2:24

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

1Corinthians 13: 4-7 

No relationship is easy and I'm sure marriage isn't either. In fact, I've heard many say that marriage is one of the hardest things you'll ever do.  I hear it takes practice and much prayer.  Joey isn't perfect and although I like to think I'm close to it...I'm quickly reminded that I'm not perfect either.:)  He loves me even when I'm downright unlovable.  In his eyes, I am his QUEEN. In my eyes, he is my KING.  On everyday I am thankful that God placed him in my life, but on today I am extremely thankful to soon carry his last name.  

Know your worth ladies.

xo

RAEofsunshine

FOCUS ON THE GOOD

Depression is a condition that reportedly affects 1 in 10 Americans at one point or another.

Over 80% of the people that have symptoms of clinical depression are not receiving any specific treatment for their depression.

The number of patients diagnosed with depression increases by approximately 20% per year.

Mississippi is among the 7 states with the highest rates of adults meeting the criteria for depression.

Overall, women have higher rates of depression than men.

Depression...a word that we are far too familiar with, yet we turn a blind eye at the mention of...depression.  While getting dressed this morning and watching the Today Show, I saw the news that actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died due to an apparent drug overdose. Although substance abuse and depression are different, they sometimes go hand in hand.  My question is...when will America abolish the negative connotation that comes along with the word depression? How many mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers etc to do have to lose before we acknowledge that depression is real?  I understand, first hand, why so many are hesitant to seek help and/or treatment.  I'll share..

In October of 2003, my family suffered an unexpected loss.  Never have I ever been so saddened by the loss of a loved one. Partially, because it was very unexpected and we were left with a newborn.  I was a freshman in high school and my sister was a freshman at Mississippi State University.  Therefore, after most returned to school/work, we were still left to grieve.  I remember walking back into my house after an extended stay with my grandmother.  There was an emptiness that I can not explain.  There were many days and nights that I would crawl in the bed with my mother and cry; wishing we could see my aunt's face again.  It's been 10 year since her passing, and though the pain is still present, we can rest in peace knowing that God is forever in control. 

I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but if it helps someone, I will gladly do so.  There were days when my attitude was t e r r i b l e. My mom probably wanted to choke me, haha! Some days I would be happy, some sad and some downright miserable, but I could not tell you why.  After months of this feeling, my mom found it necessary to see a therapist.  I will admit that I HATED therapy, but it helped.  We found that the root of my depression stemmed from the loss of my aunt.  I was young and had no idea how to cope...so my body reacted in a negative way.  After a few visits and medication, I felt like a new woman!  Don't get me wrong, there is no simple solution to depression.  It comes in different forms and affects individuals in different ways.  My story is just that...my story, and I am not ashamed to tell it.

I still struggle with anxiety and depression, but I have learned to make light of it. I'm no longer ashamed, and I will gladly lay on someone's couch and talk about all my "problems". Haha!  But seriously, I don't work well under pressure, so when I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I take a personal day to recuperate. I have found that meditating on God's word really helps my anxiety.  Life is difficult and sometimes we think we are the only ones with problems.  When these thoughts creep in my mind, I think of people in the Bible such as Job.  If Job had to struggle, what makes me think I am exempt?! If you or someone that you know is dealing with depression, don't ignore the symptoms. I think some of the shame comes from the portrayal via media/television.  When we hear depression we automatically think of people in straight jackets, bound to hospital beds.(ok maybe that was a little extreme) Or perhaps, you think of people sitting in a dark room with their heads buried under cover.  However, this may not be true.  In fact, some people that suffer from chronic depression put on smiles daily as if nothing is wrong.  

I challenge you to pay attention.  You don't have to watch someone's every move, but if you notice unusual behavior from a friend or family member, do not be afraid to speak up.  Your action just might save a life. Now, clear your mind of all negative connotations and know that although depression is real, it is not a death sentence. I live a normal life...I laugh, I cry and I sometimes make mistakes :) I'm just like everyone else.  But sometimes I get a little sad and need a little pick me up. If you can say the same, talk to someone...I promise it will help.  Focus on the good and remember, you are amazing.

xo

RAEofsunshine