Great People

Rolling...PT 2

Photographed by Kendra Harris




As everybody gathers for this time of celebration I'm looking back at 2009 as a year of growth. There is a great deal of growth left in me, but overall as a young upcoming professional woman, I see myself finally starting to grow. My biggest hurdle is stop worrying so much about the next year and just look forward to enjoying life right now. I feel that the best is yet to come, and with each little jump that I overcome, favor is going to be running along side me the whole ride.

Keep It Rolling

I have the type of friends who have goals in life and by far FABOLOUS. In and out...no doubt about this fact. Good times, with great friends....

xoxo

Building Up...

I'm at a certain point in my life, where I really don't know where I am going anymore. Confusing to some, but to me its about normal.The type of person I am, change is me. I feel the need to change my hair, style of clothes, music and everything else that you can see on the outside. Whether its an outside or inner trait, how can you actually build yourself up? For the past semester I endured this long journey of finding my identity and exactly who I am, and where I am trying to go. Well fortunately I found my identity, but not where I am going. One of the elders from my church The Fellowship of Redeeming Truth Church told me to not worry so much about the future, but focus on the present. Make sure that you have yourself together, before you attempt to go out and present yourself to the world. This process is long, extremely long, but until then I will continuously keeping building myself UP....you fall once, alright get up. You fall twice, get up again. Fall three times, look back the mistakes you made because you can longer fall down.

Not Giving Up....

I know that once I get myself together the "correct way" with God in my life then everything else will fall into place. Who am I to judge/ or qualify who is "Mr. Right" for me. That is not my duty and as a female I have come to understand that I cannot change a "MAN" he must be willing to change for the better of himself. As a woman my job is to not only pray for him but also encourage him to bring out the traits he lacks to show. My pastor told me that if you keep going around looking for a pillow to hug a night, you will end up with a new one every few months, but if you can just wait and BE PATIENT, allow God to work and deliver that special companion into your life you won't have to worry ABOUT THROWING AWAY ANYMORE "pillows"

So I REFUSE TO QUIT......THE BEST IS YET TO COME

I still believe
Someday you and me
Will find ourselves
In love again

I had a dream
Someday you and me
Will find ourselves
In love again

Each day of my life, I’m filled with all the joy I could find
You know that I,I'm not the desperate type
If there’s one spark of hope left in my grasp, I'm holding it with both
hands
It’s worth the risk of burning, to have a second chance

No, no, no, no, no, no, I need you, baby
I still believe that we can be together, no…
If we believe that true love never has to end
Then we must know that we will love again, Mmm..

I still believe
Someday you and me
Will find ourselves
In love again (Oh, baby, yeah)

I had a dream
You and me
Will find ourselves
In love again

I still believe (Ooh, baby, I do)
Someday you and me (Just give me one more try)
In love again

I had a dream (I miss your love)
Someday you and me
Will find ourselves
In love again

I still believe
Someday you and me(will find ourselves in love...)



True Love is

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, 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.

Till The Cops Come Knockin'

Its amazing how some people are able to change your mind about certain situations!
I am loving this new life that I am beginning to leave. Yes it may get confusing at times, but I feel the need to keep on prospering with my life. WHAT IS SELF LOVE.... 1 Corinthians 13:4-7....before I can love anybody else, I must truly love me. I was watching Charmed earlier today and Prue was complaining about no relationship, no time for herself but successful....who knows where my life is heading but I will keep going Till The Cops Come Knockin'

No Words..Actions Speak

Never Meant Harm The Soul You Own,
I'm Always Here You Will Never Be Alone...

I Just Tried To Make You Happy When Times Was Ruff,
Seems Now We Not As Close, We Just Yell and Cuss....

At First Both Of Us Was Just Having Fun and Games,
I Hurt You and I Know You Don't Look At Me The Same...

You Have To Admit That Both Of Us Got Caught Up In This Process,
But While Playing Ive Come To Care and Love You I Confess...

Look At As Now and The Way We Use To Be,
Are Friendship Was To Strong, It Was Always "Big Head" and "B"...

But Like Alicia Keys Said "Ive Made My Own Hard Bed",
All This Drama, Hurt and Pain Look Where It Has Lead...

I Understand I Hurt You but I Ain't Have Fun Doing It,
But I'm Sure Your Love and Trust You Just Had To Quite...

When I'm With You I Enjoy Every Moment Thats Been Spent,
You Made Me Feel Like A Super Hero and I Ain't Had To Hide It Like Clark Kent....

Well Right Now I'm On Something

and

I'm Glad I Am Because I Was Finally Able To Express Some Type Of Feeling In Me......

IDK MAYBE WAT I WROTE WAS DUMB BUT IDK......

---my bestfriend wrote this to me, and I remember the day I saw this I broke down. Sometimes it makes me think about the GOOD TIMES we had....but I guess its all MEMORIES now

JAN 5.

You have many talents, and you are great at sharing those talents with others.
Most people would be jealous of your clever intellect, but you're just too likeable to elicit jealousy.
Progressive and original, you're usually thinking up cutting edge ideas.
Quick witted and fast thinking, you have difficulty finding new challenges.

Your strength: Your superhuman brainpower

Your weakness: Your susceptibility to boredom

Your power color: Tangerine

Your power symbol: Ace

Your power month: May

Next LIFEtiME

What can I say about the concert on Tuesday except OWWWWW!!!! I freaking love Maxwell and Common but Chrisette Michele...she is the SHIT!!!! No doubt, that trio is the definition of REAL Rhythm and Blues! Leading up to this day, I was too excited and anxious, maybe for the simple fact that I haven't been to a concert since I was a senior in high school which was the Destiny Child Farewell Tour or something....idk! But lord really made a GORGEOUS man out of Maxwell...sheeesh! I was just feeling the environment, from beginning to end. The money spent on the concert was worth every penny, even though my vehicle was towed when I got out the concert. I understand that when I am in church and its TIME for me to pay my tithes....WITHOUT thinking twice they need to be paid. The lord showed me that if I don't give him what he has given to me, he will take even more.

Pause::...

So I've been very "iffy" about some of the decisions I need to make in my life. Kind of standing in a frozen position with really no clue where to go next. Maybe I should turn slightly or maybe I shouldn't. I need to pray for guidance....lord I'm lost

Israel & New Breed - Go Back Lyrics

You are drawing me into Your presence
To the beauty of Your Holiness
You are calling me to come and worship
And my answer to Your call is 'Yes'

I'm coming closer, closer to the flame
And I can hear Your voice as clear
As the first day, You say

Go back to your first love
Go back to your first love
Go back, return
And let the fires burn again

Go back to your first love
Go back to your first love
Go back, return
And let the fires burn again

I'm reminded of the days of passion
When my worship flowed so unrestrained, remember
Like the prodigal I've learned my lesson, yeah
And I never want to be the same

I'm coming closer, closer to the flame
And I can hear Your voice as clear
As the first day, You say

Go back to your first love
Go back to your first love
Go back, return
And let the fires burn again

Go back to your first love
Go back to your first love
Go back, return
And let the fires burn again

Go back, return
Go back to your first love
Go back to your first love
Go back, return
And let the fires burn again

Go back to your first love
Go back to your first love
Go back, return
And let the fires burn again

Go back, go back, go back
Go back, go back, go back
Turn around, return
And let the fires burn again

Go, how did you get here
Turn around you're gonna sound all over again
Go back return
And let the fires burn again, again, again

People are trippin' man
People need Jesus, Tommy
Let's get, let's bring Jesus to 'em

Transforming w/ TiME

In due season everything will unfold itself. Last night I was able to have a conversation with a person who I consider my bestfriend. I know that he was never suppose to be ejected out of my life, but when my life becomes primarily centered around him...then somethings must change. My love was so deep and strong that I knew that changes need to happen not on the outside but within myself. The only person who is able to make these changes is the one who I place 100% plus of my trust into. Just given the opportunity to even have a mutual relationship with him, brings satisfaction to my heart. All I know is that time will reveal itself....this disconnected time period was needed not only for me, but also for him. He began to understand that you should never depend on any human....because when they disppoint you, there is no need to look around for somebody else. So now...where am I suppose to go. Shit idk really but I'm living in a new LIFETIME
Maxwell- Lifetime

I was reborn when I was broken
I wouldn't believe, I wouldn't believe, no
been thru a storm, no use in hoping
that you would come rescue me
somehow your love set me free

And I, I can let my life pass me by
or I can get down and try
work it all out this lifetime
work it on out this time
I can let it all pass me by
or I can get down and try
work it all out this lifetime lifetime

There was a time when love wasn't chosen
now I'm just open for more
now I'm just reaching out for something better
that I had before, girl
there ain't a bottom line in your world

Ooh and I, I can let my life pass me by
or I can get down and try
work it all out this lifetime
work it on out this time

I can let it all pass me by
or I can just try and try
I can move to the light
oh if I take it one day at a time (oh I)
oh spread my love out and fly
oh I (I can move to the light)
ooh I can just make you understand
that love is not a fairytale in a melody
if you want it you can have it girl
maybe you will see maybe you will see (ooh ooh)
ooh oh oh wo oh
lifetime lifetime

repeat chorus
(adlib til end)

Photographed Kendra Harris
http://keenphotography.carbonmade.com/

Anticipation or Patience

One lady once told me that sometime you need to spoil yourself every now and then. And with this she said that as a young lady, we love lingerie but we never treat ourselves to the best kind. Such as you should be able to walk into Victoria's Secret and buy yourself a nice bra and pantie set without any inclusion to have sex. "Its something about a matching bra and pantie set from Victoria's Secret, that makes you happy" Regardless of the type of undergarments that I wear, I should ALWAYS be happy no matter the circumstance. As I am not only growing older in age, I am also starting to evolve into a different stage in life. Over the past weekend me and my daddy sat down and discussed my options after graduation.....was this conversation actually occurring. It feels like just yesterday I was a freshman enrolling in the University of Houston....and now I am less than 18hrs of graduating WOW!! My life feels like its at a peddle stool and honestly I am lost. I know the career path that I want to lean towards and where I want to live, but what IF EVERYTHING CHANGES....I'll look completly lost. At this point all I do is keep going on the ride, but one thing I can say is that this rollercoaster is no longer going through REPEPTIONS...better yet looking at a ne course. The name of the course is disclosed..but hell I'm riding and ENJOYING EVERY BIT

Goodynight


Photographed by Kendra Harris
http://keenphotography.carbonmade.com/

Blame It On Me

Ha, could there really be somebody to blame? If your not able to look into the mirror and blame the reflection that you're looking at, maybe you have some inner issues within yourself. All that I can say is that I AM a work iN ProgREES!

chrisette michele-

Sometimes you can work it out
Sometimes you can't
Sometimes you're forced to watch everything fall apart it's out of your hands
Sometimes leaving is easy
Sometimes it ain't
Sometimes it hurts to know the loving you had was slowly fading away

(chorus)
You can say whatever you like
As long as we just say goodbye
Blame it on me
Say it's my fault
Say that I left you outside in the cold with a broken heart
I really don't care
I ain't crying no more
Say I'm a liar a cheater
Say anything that you want
As long as it's over

I ain't a quitter
I just ain't the type
I tried to see you through
I tried to make it to the finishing line
Oooh you thought it was meant to be yeah
I admit so did I
Every once in a while you think you figured it out
Sometimes you're not right

(chorus)

Yes I love you but I really got to lose you
Freedom is where I want to be
Yes I'll probably always love you
But I'm moving
I got to do this for me

(chorus 2x)

Chosen For A Reason

“I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed.”

Photographer: Kendra Harris

http://keenphotography.carbonmade.com/

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness

My granny is resting peacefully in the arms of her father and there is no other place she rather be.
Sunset 9-28-08

I love you granny

III. A Place To Call Home
Verse 1 reads How amiable, how peaceful, how friendly are thy tabernacles, or in today’s term, I feel at home, I’m comfortable here with you Lord.

Serenity = Peace

In for me to be truly happy, I must learn to LOVE me all over again. Life is full of mistakes, the best part about them is that you LEARN from the previous in order to LIVE your life for the next.

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

Meditation

photographed by Kendra Harris: http://keenphotography.carbonmade.com/

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

Mindful of Prospering

Chorus) No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work God will do what He say He would do He will stand by His word And He will come through God will do what He say He would do He will stand by His word And He will come through (Chorus) No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work God will do what He said He would do He’s not a man that He should lie He will come through God will do what He said He would do He will stand by His word He will come through (Bridge) Oh I won’t be afraid of the arrows by day From the hand of my enemy I can stand my ground with the Lord on my side For the snares they have set will not succeed (Chorus) No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work For I Know God Will do(said he would do it) What he said he would do(said he would do it) He will stand by his word(stand by his word), he will come through God will do what(said he would do it) he said he he's gonna do(said he would do it) stand by his word(stand by his word) NO NO NO WAY! (Chorus) No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work It won't work Dont be afriad of the arrows or the snares that... if you beielve say you OOOO There just aint one(there just aint one) There just aint one(there just aint one) No Weapon

Bestfriend

A-Hello, how are you
B-I'm good and you
A-I'm doing fine, just thought about you and decided to call and see how you were doing, since I was at your house last weekend. I know that I told you I need space to grow, but I was just calling to see how everything was going.
B-Its good.
A-Are you busy
B-I'm about to get something to eat, but I'm not
A-Ok well I'll talk to you later then
B-Yeah


Maybe I was not suppose to contact you, but I wanted to. Whatever the future holds, just know that I do love you, but we're walking down 2 separate paths.

Iris
(The Goo Goo Dolls)

Verse 1

And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now

Verse 2

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight

Chorus

And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am

Verse 3

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything seems like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know your alive

Chorus

And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
Chorus I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am


“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others"

Photographed by Kendra Harris http://keenphotography.carbonmade.com/

Show Up && Show Out

--If you would allow him to take over your growing process, the end is beautiful

New beginnings, new season, new ME! Over the past year I have transformed into a completely different person. Who would've known that I would be where I am today. Self-consciously I doubted myself, because I never felt that I would accomplish anything in my life. Whether it dealt with my education or employment to relationships and now my own personal growth. I get excited just glimpsing on the progress that I have made along with the many blessings that have come my way within these past 12 months. Sometimes I feel the need to distance myself from everybody that is around me, solely for the reason that I need to grow, but this is a solo project. I guess this season that is occurring right now is for my to "Find My Identity". Last night at bible study, I realized that maybe I have created a identity from experiences and not from the one person who I should have. Taking out the time to set and list my desires along with any friction that has influenced me into becoming the young woman that I am today. There is still work in progress with finding my identity, but I do know that I have qualities I believe stand out and will benefit others down the line. I must ALWAYS remain HUMBLE. One of my favorite quotes is:: Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.::


Photographed by Kendra Harris http://keenphotography.carbonmade.com/

The Sound of Truth

Photographed by Kendra Harris
http://keenphotography.carbonmade.com/

A collaborative poem by Kendra Harris. Jasmine Umenyi. Kori Harver! =)

Catch your tears in the ribbons of my heart.
Each tear holding a beat the ribbon of my heart couldn't speak.
Muted by your ribbons presence, captured by your tears embrace
As they seep deep within my skin
The secretion begins to race and I exhale. I breath out the pain that once restrained my joy.
The joy that I know no one can steal
Because it is instilled so deep within my being it overrides the pain of these worldly things
And I was taught joy was not of this world...so I began to redeem myself from the iniquities...the shame...the quilt.
The iniquities...the shame...the quilt. Built up and bandaged tight, by the persona I want the ribbons to believe.
Believe the complex truths within my heart
Because only my heart can solve the riddles behind these complex truths.
In my heart is you.

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ

That a man should have to seek Him first to find her

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin''

I'm whispering 'I was lost,

Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble

and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak and

need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed and

need God to clean my mess

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible but,

God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain...

I have my share of heartaches,

so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner

Who received God's good grace, somehow! "

— Maya Angelou

Opening Up

I pray to god that he allows me to open up my heart, for I know what I did not know before. Music is my comfort zone that I escape to in order to refresh my mind. Why must I constantly renew my mind. This process always me to become stronger in the direction that I am heading down. But now I am turning my heart over to god, and allowing my heart to escape into his destiny. For this is a new season, and I will begin with a smile, because I have so much love to give.

"What Is Love"- Vivian Green

Maybe I am foolishly in love with
Someone that is
Not exactly on the same page, that I am on
Well all my friends keep telling me stop
Walking round so blindly
But when he calls theyre not around
To ever remind me

[hook:]

Maybe this isnt love, but if it isnt love then really what is love
Maybe I dont need to know whats really love
Cause when hes aournd hes got me feeling some kinda way

[verse 2:]

I guess I kind of notioce he dont always act so kindly
But that doesnt stop my hunger, hunger for his heart
Why should I listen to thoes, who think that I should move on
Maybe what they see as drama, I see more as art

[hook]

[bridge:]

Cant seem to get past how he makes me feel
May not be love but it feels so real
Cant go with what they say must follow my heart
But now is that even being to to me
Maybe Im happy, truly content
Maybe this is as good as it gets
Do I have faith in my confidence
Or an I just thinking all hopelessly

[hook]

Not Looking Back

So was this the outcome that you expected at the end of the day. Are you FIGHTING from the truth or are you actually facing the truth? As India Arie stated "The time is right. I'm gonna pack my bags.And take that journey down the road" I still sometimes think to myself was this the correct decision to make. One person stated that the heart grows stronger when separated. But maybe my heart is not growing anymore in that direction. Maybe I'm growing stronger in a BEAUTIFUL AWAKENING. I must constantly reassure myself that this man named God has always been with me throughout my ordeals. He placed me in each transaction and allowed me to fight the battle. I am starting to realized that my life is going in a new direction. Where exactly is this taking me, I am yet to find out. Nor do I know who is going to stay along with me on my exploration. But I do know that one man has always been there despite all the non-sense, and apologizes I have committed. I love the scripture of PROVERBS 3:5-6 "for I will TRUST in him and not lean on my own understanding" I understand completelty that I am nowhere near perfect, but I do know that there are BLESSINGS with my name on them. And if I keep LOOKING BACK I will never receive any. New moments, also a time for me to "walk into a NEW season". So maybe this is my transformation or maybe a time to walk forward and stop repeating the past. I know where I want to go in life, but sometimes my plans are not always the right plan. He may find the need for me to drift off somewhere else, but whereever I end up, I know that I have come a long way. I have so much love for me, each and everyday. Keep on pushing for success and no plans of turning around....

Space is Growth

I don't feel like crying anymore. Why should I have to feel like 2nd place, when I can be somebody else 1st. When I give you my heart, do you really cherish it? This situation in particular has become the most over weighed luggage that I could possibly carry. All I cant think to myself is that it, its really been 4 years that I have carried luggage around with me and still haven't Let It Go as Keyshia Cole stated. I'm just tired of crying and hurting not only myself but people around me. Why am I NOT WORTHY of his heart? I wish my eyes would've opened up fully and realized that I am WORTHY. I was so young...and some may say "in love". But is that what love is really about? I would jump as high as any mountain reached for him, and I did everything "out of love" for him, because I knew that one I would be WORTHY of his HEART. He became more than a friend to me and I loved every moment spent with him, from the road trips, our little breakfast, lunch && dinner outings. This is the person who I could spill my life out to and no worry about anything, because I knew that my heart was so hidden into him, that I can TRUST him. When I look at everything that has happened, I'm starting to think WHY???? Why Brittany were you so dumb...so stupid. Leave that boy alone...he does not want you or except what's in between your legs. Leave him alone and go find you somebody else....somebody else? So now I am looking for a replacement, is that how the world works now? Whenever somebody is not satisfying your needs, you look for somebody else to "replace those needs" So I did go looking and ran into people who I couldn't even open my heart up to, because it already belonged to somebody else. Nights passed and emotionally I was not happy unless he was by my side. But why do I need HIM in particular to be by my side....I have all the replacements but their WORTH does not amount to what he brings to me. Years have flown by so fast that I am approaching my final year of college. Do I still want that feeling of "am i worthy enough"? As a young woman, I cannot allow myself to continue this cycle anymore. I need to the space to grow mentality, physically and spiritually. I found somebody but he is not a replacement for HIM, this man is always here for me and has been. He allowed my heart to hurt so badly that my eyes would open up. All this pain is inevitable, but it was necessary for me to endure. I could sit down and explain the whole novel, but there is no need for it. He has taught me a lesson that will prepare me. One thing I learned was that its a reason why he says wait till you get married until you have sex. The bond that is created between man & woman is deep, and its not meant to be shared. I have shared a piece of myself with him and there is no way I can take it back. What is done, is done. But now I know. I pray for him and have a different kind of love. It is no longer the love where I would break my neck for you, but the love of "leaving everything in his hands, he will take care of it". I knew that it was time to me to GROW. I will never grow into the woman God wants me to be, if I keep dragging this luggage around. Vivian Green said "Maybe I am foolishly in love with, Someone that is, Not exactly on the same page, Maybe this isn't love, but if it isn't love then really what is love. Maybe I don't need to know whats really love, Cause when he's around he's got me feeling some kinda way" I am loving life and everything around me. I guess the biggest blessing that I have gotten is letting go of something that is not necessarily good for you. So now what. Thoughts are wondering throughout my mind am I "good enough" for somebody else...

Pursue Your Talent

She is pursuing her talent, because she has been blessed with a TALENT

Check out:Kendra Harris
Talented Photographer in Houston

keenphotography.carbonmade.com

NABJ Tampa 09

After a fulfilling 16 hour road trip to Tampa, Fl for the Annual NABJ convention, this was the time to showcase my talent. I am a journalist and this what I love to do. Whether it's directly speaking with the media or a colleague, this is a opportunity to network and really engage myself in this industry. All the extra time and effort was truly worth every second, and I'm glad to represent the National Association of Black Journalist. As a minority, my first impressions count greatly on strangers. Even attending a predominately Caucasian university, the University of Houston ranks as one of the two most ethnically diverse major research universities in the nation-boasting a student population of more than 34,000 students from 133 countries. But I still believe that as a minority we do not have the correct representation that we should and also we are over looked especially within my college, Jack J Valenti School of Communication. With the upcoming semester I look forward to the progressive change that the UH NABJ Chapter plans on handling. We are the minority representation of our university and I feel that its about time for me to "Pursue My Talent" speak about what's going within our campus and surrounding area. I just love educating those around me and also receiving the same knowledge back.

journalism/public affairs/legal=ME

Roland S. Martin

Kathy Times, NABJ President 09-10

Tampa Road Trip

I am truly blessed and Amazed at how god has given us opportunities to further ourselves & career. After the longest road trip of my life, to Tampa Florida for the annual NABJ convention. We finally arrived in ONE piece!! This is experience alone is speechless. So much to do, with little time to spare. This feels like HOME in some kind of awkward way. Me along with 2 of my fellow University of Houston NABJ members are allowing him to watch over us during this time in Tampa. Passing through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and finally Florida showed me alot of the south that I have never seen outside of Texas. Being a resident of Texasm the only state that we travel to is Louisiana, to see family. This was a chance to clear my head, and just reflect on. Now were in Tampa and we must use this time quite efficiently. Won't waste anytime, because who is going to wait on me, if i NEVER SPEAK UP

Changes

So I'm at work listening to Jennifer Hudson's station on Pandora and Faith Evans song "Again" comes on. This song reminds me of the gradual changes that are occurring in my life. From blessings to obstacles, either way I look at both its a process that is allowing me to GROW. Within the song Faith Evans is speaking about the person she has become after dealing with a relationship that has taught her to nurture into a better woman. As a black woman in college, I am realizing that I am no longer the same person I was 3 years ago.

Most Attractive Attitude

I never realized how good God is until he blesses me. Even with all the prayer that I do at night time, I should not have to wait for God to bless me, to know that HE IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. I am so happy that I'm able to get closer to him and understand his word. Also understanding my purpose here, and what he needs for me to accomplish. My passion for journalism is BEYOND my imagination. I have this sincere drive to help so many "unspoken" voices & allow them to be heard nation wide. I feel that its my duty to help the next generation of children...by guiding them and giving them all the opportunities that God has given me. I am more than blessed and I want to be a blessing in somebody else's life. My passion for Journalism is just the beginning...



is PASSION....

"Photography"

Photographed by

Kendra Harris

Still Missing You

fIRST off Happy 21st Birthday Agnes. Its been a 2 years since you left, and I when i think about you I start to cry. I'm not going to lie, I have gotten over what D.K did, but at the sametime I wish that I could have spoken to you one last time. Unfortunately I will have to wait and that is fine with me. I know that each and everyday you watching all of us and I pray for your family contionously for their strength tp overcome all the challenges they face. I know that you are in a better place, and happy more than ever. When we were younger we always talked about when we turned "21" and all the stuff we were going to do. Never thought that I would be the only one. Just wish you were here physically to celebrate. I love you ma'am. Afrimakias for life

-R.I.P AGNO-

Will it Ever End..

For the past month, one of the most controversial topics, has become the death of music innovator Michael Jackson. Unfortunately his life ended, but at the same time when he was alive, was the media actually allowing him to live? This incident has become such an eye opener especially for me, taking note on everything that has become "nationally televised" Now they have an investigation on the doctor and exactly his intentions with Michael those last few moments. Each family is having to endure hardships right now, but as they say "there is a brighter day". I honestly just pray for the strength of each family, because the loss of a loved one, leaves a hole that cannot be replaced. I just pray that after all these investigations, they will allow this man to rest, because Marlon stated it best at the memorial "We will never understand what he endured ... being judged, ridiculed. How much pain can one take? Maybe, now, Michael, they will leave you alone.”

What's next.....

Imagine

Photographed by. Kendra Harris

This child is so gifted and talented I wish there was more that I could possibly do, to enrich her career. These images have no story behind them. There purpose is unknown, but your able to get a feeling off her artwork...more to come

I look at photography as a form of journalism, except instead of writing or speaking about your work, your able to capture moments, that are evidently priceless

Essence Intern

I cannot believe it. Did this really just happen to me. Like I am still amazed that I have been blessed with an opportunity that came out of nowhere. Usually when I apply for internships that I am really desiring, I never seem to get them. So when I got the email confirming that I was accepted, I wanted to cry! Super super anxious I truly was, me interning with Essence Magazine, god truly will bless you when you least expect it. Headed out to Louisiana, New Orleans to be exact for my internship on June 29, I could not wait until the drive was over. This was an experience of a lifetime. Met so many people of all different backgrounds, it allowed me to actually work with people whom i've only know for a short amount of time. Production PRODUCTION...PRO-DUCI-TION....OMG! I see now why so many PRODUCERS/ DIRECTORS are stressed about their work. Never realized how much work it took into getting a show of this magnitude prepared. Learned alot and wouldn't trade a single moment for anything!

ME

So this something new for me and I feel that eventually it will help me out in the long run.