Love Nakia

For the last few year’s I had been working overtime in my personal life. Working 50 plus hours at work, staying up late at night for homework as to not take too much away from my family. I have missed many of fun night outs and special occasions because I had homework to do, a paper to write, research to be done. As much as I wanted to simply just enjoy life and enjoy quality time with friends and family, I couldn’t. My semester breaks were jam packed with activities and gatherings because I wanted to be present for those who I cared about and I have to say it was absolutely worth it.

On November 9th I did thing, and I was proud of myself, I had successfully completed the required 120 credits to graduate with my Bachelor’s of Science degree. Me this little brown girl from a small neighborhood in Baltimore, that most people have never even heard of. Me who had never seen this before. In my immediate family I am the first generation of college graduates. I have been through many challenges yet I did this big thing. I had tried many times and so much got in the way before, money, time, family illness, and everything in between, But in 2021 I stopped allowing excuses to get in my way. I found the resources, I made the time, and I was determined to succeed. After all, I now had someone watching my every move.

Being the first-generation college graduate as a married Black woman with two sons is a profound testament to resilience, determination, and hope. It’s a milestone that not only reflects years of hard work and perseverance but also symbolizes breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. As a wife and mother, this achievement is a source of immense pride, not just for me but for my family and community. It sends a powerful message to my sons: education is a tool for empowerment, and dreams are within reach regardless of where you come from or the obstacles you face. Balancing the roles of wife, mother, and student required strength, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Every late night spent studying, every hurdle overcome, and every moment of doubt turned into a demonstration of boundless resilience. 

My journey embodies hope and possibility, inspiring my sons to pursue their own paths unapologetically. It’s a reminder that representation matters, that my success is a testament to my unbreakable spirit and serves as a beacon for others who dare to dream beyond limitations. This milestone is not just a personal victory; it’s a legacy of perseverance, love, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter future.

I wanted my sons to see success but I also wanted them to be proud of his mom. My son’s need to see their very own personal example of black excellence. They needed to be in that moment, when they are older and making these choices for themselves they can look back and see the joy in my face the day I graduated, They can look back and see the way they looked at me in those moments and how happy they were to celebrate me. My sons will never know my struggle but they will get every bit of my joy.