@sky.b33n

My love for the environment started with watching National Geographic, as whimsical as it may sound, I believe that is how all passions stem when we are young while the world is fantastical with fresh eyes. I have always been fascinated by the cycles and many forms of wildlife. Using my major and the experience I intend to gain from future internships, I wish to secure a career aiding animals and the environment. To be truest to myself, I will take this deference to nature and its inhabitants and only expand upon it, and thus my opportunities as an environmental science major to becoming an environmental worker. The practical reasons I chose to attend an HBCU were the prospect of more opportunities, lower tuition and distance. At the time of my senior year in high school, I had the choice between going to a much closer school, with a water view and aquarium, but significantly higher tuition, and Jackson State University, which was farther but at a lower cost. Its distance allowed and is realized even now more room to grow without distractions from the familiar. Personal reasons I chose to attend Jackson State were the sense of community I imagined existed within the school grounds, as well as the sheer curiosity I felt when alumna spoke so highly of their experience and maturity. So far I can say there are certainly opportunities that can only be taken advantage of at my University, I look forward to what comes next.

My Heart is a Piano by Isabella Fortuna has the brightest message to me. The singers voice is soft at first as she guides you through a personal tale of resilience and acceptance. What I interpret as either anxiety or stress are told through imagery of biting at one’s fingers and blending into walls. The lyrics “my heart is a piano, my limbs are made of steel” become a mantra for the singer. Her voice rises as though these words embolden her. With a lo-fi sound, there is a quality of honesty and rawness that is lovely to listen to. Natural depictions like falling leaves and trees are used to describe her conflicting feelings to the listener. The polarity between steel and nature connects to the singers sense of dichotomy. Though perhaps unintentional, the cyclical movements of the song complement the ebb and flow of personal growth. Her confusion and eventual acceptance of being incomprehensible are what make this song unique.

When I was taken to my first black college expo, I experienced the plethora of opportunities available to those who stepped beyond the familiar. When I could have been home, I walked shoulder to shoulder with my relative through an array of sororities and college representatives, folder and notebook at hand. Many of these colleges, including the university I now attend, Jackson State, were accepting students then and there. What was most influential on my decision to attend, especially a historically black college, were four guest speakers. They were sharp looking in their attire, comfortable in their skin, and well-spoken even as they were different from one another. As they spoke about their experiences and respective HBCUs, their confidence in themselves, the sense of community they shared, and their vibrancy were tangible in the small room we sat in. So much so that when I walked out from the college expo with my gifted bag and regalia, I still felt their words resounding within me. Through this encounter, I felt a desire kindled within myself to also attain that sense of what I can only describe as belonging. I did not know it then, but later when I would ultimately choose to attend JSU, this memory and the feelings it invoked would hold a welcomed weight towards my decision.

The largest obstacle I've had to overcome is the fear of my efforts not being worthwhile or impotent in the pursuit of higher education. Stepping out of my way and taking a risk required support from those who believed in their capabilities that I am ever grateful for being afforded. Rather than a single person, members of my family who took the initiative and interest in my education is who I have to thank for where I am today. When I was taken to my first black college expo, I experienced the plethora of opportunities available to those who stepped beyond the familiar. We walked through an area full of sororities, and college representatives, many of which were accepting students then and there. What was most influential on my decision to attend, especially a historically black college, were guest speakers. As they spoke about their experiences and respective HBCUs, their confidence in themselves, the sense of community they shared, and their vibrancy were inspiring and tangible in the small room we sat in. So much so that when I walked out from the college expo with my gifted bag and regalia, I still felt their words resounding within me. In the quiet mornings of winter break, I was instructed and guided in researching colleges and signing up for college applications. And when I needed references, they reached out to those who could be so on my behalf. They guided me to reach conclusions based on what suited my profile and interests while remaining a constant presence and encouragement. Rather than limiting me to their beliefs or preferences, they told me in words and actions what could be achieved through connections and intention. Their support was invaluable to me, who up to this point was lost, and these early mornings would make all the difference in my active role and decisive action toward my education. With the time she spent with me I was given a sense of direction and possibility regardless of uncertainty. My uncertainty meant I was willing to put forth effort into something new. Through these individuals and the experiences and people they introduced me to, I was provided a sense of possibility in the knowledge that my efforts were supported. They represented the results of taking advantage of opportunities and higher education. Instead of fearing the prospect of failure, I learn and relearn every day to let adversity be an opportunity to regroup and grow.

Generational wealth to me means the comfortability and permission of those after me to pursue their passions. Knowing that you are secure financially makes a large difference in the way you perceive your possibilities. Rather than choosing what is best lucratively, financial support gives you room to choose yourself and to extend yourself to others in a variety of ways. How I may start to accumulate lasting wealth includes investing in myself in the form of a savings account with accrued interest. Another simple, though disciplined way is to spend intentionally. Life insurance is also a viable option in ensuring that those I love will continue to be cared for. By setting aside a portion of my earnings every chance I get I assure that my future is never without. To start, I will have to research what banks and companies work best for what I wish to achieve. The main factor for me would be the rate of interest. Another element to consider is the penalty for breaking into your savings before an allotted time. Consequently, it would be important to know how long your account is, in theory, to remain untouched. That said, the unexpected is a normal part of life and often leads to extra expenses. Therefore, outside of my savings account, I would need finances accessible at any time. In companion to the aforementioned, for a time I should expect and demonstrate a willingness to live below my means. This will require being organized, perhaps by journal or timesheet, and acts as a daily testament to my desire for lasting wealth. Even as I write this I feel a knot in my stomach at the thought, but saving does not have to be painful. If conceptualized, spending with intention can even make living simple and enjoyable. By removing myself from the immediacy of my desires, I am forced to set priorities and am at the same time affirming that long-term goals outweigh short-term impulse buys. Though I am young and nearer to immortality than anything, there is nothing more selfless to me than preparing for an eventuality entirely on behalf of my loved ones. Only recently was I made conscious to hear of the benefits and impact of starting life insurance. Similar to my savings accounts, life insurance will require extensive research before making any set decisions. There are hundreds of companies to work with, and more than likely I will have to connect with more informed individuals for a sound plan. By my late twenties into my thirties, I plan to have gathered the finances and means for life insurance. Generational wealth to me means sustaining the freedom of personal expression and the space of giving to others. I plan to accumulate generational wealth in the future through an interest savings account, living below my means by spending intentionally, and in my early adulthood beginning life insurance.