God’s Plan by Q
Salutations Family & Friends,
As you can tell by the title of this post this is going to be a deep one. So prepare yourself, grab your tea, coffee, espresso (if that’s your thing) because you’re going to be here for a while, but as always it’s going to be worth it. So in my last post, I started to share details with you about my journey applying to Graduate School at Montclair State University. Then the Holy Spirit led me on a journey to talk about my writing process, which led to a tangent about closets and ended with healing (if you did not read it- Go back!).
Once I willingly started to unpack my “closet” by acknowledging that I needed to stop and heal- my mind became more clear and so did my intentions, of applying to Grad School. Through the month of January I was consistently (yet struggled) to complete my personal statement for Public & Organizational Relations. I enlisted the help of seasoned professionals at my service site (Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton). They eagerly listened to my rants about the necessity of connection and flow, provided me with insight on the importance of Leadership in an Executive position, and even edited several versions of my statement. If you’re reading this – Thank you!
February came around and my thoughts were finally connecting. Then I received the news that a former educator of mine entered into eternal life. Stunned by his unexpected departure, I began reflecting on our journey together, (which provided lots of laughs). When the day arrived for me to pay my respects to his family, and bid my farewells to his mortal body. I spent a portion of the morning traveling on the Riverline, immersed in profound thoughts and memories of my education.
Here is a brief summary of my encounter…..
“I found myself surrounded by educators and former classmates, as we gathered in attendance to celebrate the life of a former educator. I sat among them listening to the stories of his childhood, and reminiscing on profound encounters of his character. Such memories made me smile in the presence of mortality.
We collectively depicted that his devotion to the vocation of education proceeded beyond the classroom. The passion he displayed to his students was the same flame, he used to ignite the wick of knowledge, in everyone he encountered. At that very moment, I realized that I too carried that same flame. For so long, I saw my life through the perceived thoughts of others. I viewed myself as just “the girl who lived in the projects” who carried the weight of her family on her shoulders, hoping that one day she would receive her NBA opportunity, and make it out.
However, it was through the assistance of past and present educators, that I am now able to reframe my narrative. Seeing myself as the one who redefined the odds, the one who struggled academically, and despite the presence of poverty, and mass incarceration, persisted and became a first-generation college student and graduate. I am the one who moved on to break barriers by pursuing a year of service, not just because “I was served and wanted to serve others” as an investment, but because I want to learn how to make service my lifestyle. I am the girl who refuses to be the only one who can and will make a difference in and with my life. This is why I am interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education.”
Yup! you read that right, Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education. Which is now Higher Education. I know that was a major shift, that’s exactly how I felt when I decided to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, and “do something crazy”, by pursuing this degree. So here I am, mid-February – mid-March, applying for two master’s programs at the same time! Stay with me because this is where the title of my blog post is revealed.
I submitted my application for Public & Organization Relations on March 10th. I was contacted by the program coordinator on March 25th,to schedule an interview, to discuss my potential acceptance into the program. On April 2nd, the interview was conducted, and on April 4th,I found out I was accepted into the program (Wait!-Hold your applause). On Thursday, March 26th, I submitted my application for Higher Education. On Monday, March 30th,I found out I was accepted into the program! (With no interview)!!!!!. Just in case you’re wondering, Yes, I cried, Sat in awe of God’s goodness, said Thank you, and then called my Mama! [Mom if you’re reading this, Hey Girl!- Love You!]
If I can pause and reflect for a moment, –
I can recall a moment at the beginning of my journey with CFJ. I had just finished my summer of LeaderWorX and entered into my new role as a Fellow. Unsure of what my next would be, I operated in hope and prayed for options. Fast-forwarding to 8 months later. Now I have those options, options that I could have never fathom for myself. Yet – they were apart of God’s plan all along! (But wait) He wasn’t done- After I accepted my offer into the Higher Education program, I started my search for Graduate Assistantships. That’s another great encounter- but long story short I submitted my cover letter and resume, on Saturday, April 25th, and was contacted by the program Chair for an interview the next day. On Thursday, April 30th, the interview was conducted and an offer to assume the position of a Graduate Research Assistant for Educational Leadership was extended, (Yes, (During the interview!!!!!).
I am living proof that God is _ -whatever you need Him to be! For He will never Lead you & leave you!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord……” – Jeremiah 29:11-14
& Yes, I accepted!
