...And I say chuuurch

While conducting an orientation session to Vetinary Medicince interns, I stressed the importance of finding your "why." Why do you go to work everyday? Is it for a paycheck? Or is it to make a difference.  I am 24 years old (as of yesterday)! This is my prime time, right?  Sure it is, but it's also the prime time for discovering my "why".  I've always said that I truly believe I was put on this Earth for more than one reason...and I hold true to that.  I have yet to put a nail on it, but I am almost certain I am here (at MSU) to make an impact on someone's life.  Whether that someone be a department head, a VP, a new employee of the university, I don't know! But my goal each day is to leave a lasting impression on someone I encounter.

I have been working on being a better servant.  God placed us here to serve others, not ourselves.  We as humans get so caught up in self that we forget about everyone else...even people that helped us along our ladder to success #ouch! It is important that we forget ourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.  Let me tell you something, real servants make themselves available to serve.  Did you get that? No? Ok, I'll break it down for you.  Move in day for MSU students is this weekend? Will you wait around for someone to call you and ask for help? You KNOW these students need help moving in, so why wait until your asked? Make yourself available!  You will never arrive at the state in life where you're too important to help with menial tasks.  No task is beneath you when you have a servant's heart. #rememberthat.  Now, I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir, right? If so, let me hit you where it hurts.  Real servants maintain a low profile.

"When you do good deeds, don't try to show off.  If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven."

 If you're serving for approval or praise, you're serving for the wrong reasons.  Don't get me wrong, it is easy to get caught up in praise, but we must remember where our talents come from.  If it weren't for our Heavenly Father, we wouldn't be able to do such things.  Be careful to give Him the praise He deserves. 

"I give all the glory to God.  It's like a win-win situation.  The glory goes up to Him, and the blessings fall down on me." -Gabby Douglas, 1st African American woman (and first woman of color) to win the individual all-around GOLD medal in the 2012 Olympics.

Today, I challenge you to take a step back and examine your life.  What is your why?  What kind of example are you setting? Can others see Christ shining through you?  I know at times I fall short.  However, the best part of it all is knowing that we serve a forgiving God.  Use what God has given you to help others!

.....and I say chuuuurch..Amen!

Until next time,

t.RAE :) xo

My Life as Toya

My transition from Jackson to Starkville has been strange.  No, it's not far at all, but I did somewhat just pack up and leave...and it's kind of hard.  However, I've had the best 3 weeks of work.  My first day consisted of getting my ID and parking pass, setting up my email, and taking care of other housekeeping things. SEE!

I'm so official all I need is a whistle!

Much of the afternoon was spent meeting Deans, department chairs, and other key contacts on campus.  Since I started on a Friday, I had a little break to mentally prepare for the following week.  Monday rolled around in the blink of an eye and my was it busy!  Meeting after meeting after meeting!  I have really been trying to take mental pictures of the people I've met because 9/10 if I see them again I'm just going to speak out of courtesty, not because I "know" them....but I'll learn!!!  I've learned so much in such a small amount of time.  I'm thankful for a supervisor that believes in me and holds me accountable.  The next few weeks will be filled with presentations, meetings, presentations, and more meetings.  It may sound like I live a crazy lifestyle, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  God blessed me with this amazing opportunity and I'm definitely going to make the most of it. I WILL succeed :) 

I will leave you with a few pictures from the past few weeks.

1/2 of my office...by the way, it's very spacious and nice! :)

1st day as an MSU employee!

Official website photo!

And there is reality...my home is no longer in Jackson

I feel like I have 100+ things to tell you all! My next post will be about our 2nd Annual N2Books Scholarship Banquet which was held June 16, 2012!

Until next time....
XOXO-toy

SURPRISE!!!

Well hello there! I have so many updates for you all! As you know, I've recently moved to Starkville for my new position at THE Mississippi STATE University. I am very excited about this transition, but it has been just that....a transition! I've been here since June 1 and my cousin has been so kind to let me stay with her until I move in my apartment (June 23).  It's been a little weird and stressful at times because I'm use to my own space.  However, I couldn't ask for a better person to stay with.  Jay has really helped make my transition as smooth as possible. 

Before leaving Jackon my friend Monet came down to get fitted for a bridesmaid dress.  She called a few days before and told me that she would be staying the night.  To make a long story short, she came over and recommended that we try the restaurant, Mint.  Of course, I agree so we were on our way!  To my surprise, I was the only one not in on this little going away dinner.  My sister invited a few friends out for my last night in Jackson! That's one thing about my friends/family...they sure know how to make a girl feel special.  Here are a few pictures from the dinner.

My line sister, Vanessa & I

Lene, Mecca, Monique

The best pretend parents a girl could ask for!

Jessica "#1 teacher" and myself! One of the most genuine ladies I know!

Monet drove from Starkville to surprise me!

Carmecia & her boyfriend came as well!

I am so thankful for all that took time out of their busy schedules to come and fellowship with me.  And the best part of the night was when the waiter brought the bill and I didn't have to pay (hahaha) s/o to Creston and Keitra! I love all of you and thanks again for thinking of me!