I can remember the days at Kennedy Elementary school when people fought to recite one of her poems during our annual poetry contest. I remember in detail Personna Hover beating out everyone and reciting Phenomenal woman. I thought that was the best poem ever to be written at the time. I mean after all Personna got to say "It's in the reach of my arms,The span of my hips,The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips" words that were so foreign to a 5th graders mind.
She was without a doubt was a living legacy, but somewhere along the way I forgot about her. I forgot about the greatness she bestowed upon the world. I could probably tell you Beyonce's every move, but I can't remember that last time Ms. Maya even ran across my mind. Well that was until I saw that she had passed. Now just like the rest of the world I've engrossed myself in her accomplishments. While reading through the thousands of articles I found one quote that touched me and made me reflect on my own journey.
By October 2012 I absolutely hated New York. This place that was supposed to capture my heart and fulfill my every dream had became a living nightmare. No job, interning 50 hours a week, sleeping on a couch, no money to do anything was not how I pictured this move to go. I longed to go home in fact I hopped on the greyhound every chance that I got. I complained until my sister got fed up with me and told me time and time again "No one forced you to come here and no one is forcing you to stay"
That's when I knew that a change had to be made. I couldn't run home for there was nothing there for me and I couldn't keep complaining and be a pest to all those around me. I decided to change my mindset and embrace my surroundings even on my little nickels. I pushed myself beyond the places I thought I could go. After I was fired, After I was laid off, an after I had the worst living experience known to man I still carried on.
Everyone can not move, everyone won't be afforded a job in their field right away, but everyone can change the way you think about your present.
If life is not fulfilling pinpoint what's making you miserable and change it. Not working in your field then immerse yourself in it the moment you clock out. Anything is possible. Some of us are caged birds who are holding ourselves in our own captivity. I don't wanna preach to my GenChete' Gang, but it's simple if you don't love it change it.
Maya your legacy resides in us all. While some will let it ignite the greatness we harbor others won't. I know that I hope to become a not only a legacy, but a living legacy just like you.
Xoxo Kolleh
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