Life Happens

About this time last year, my ex-girlfriend (after we had broken up) said to me something that I'll never forget:

"Adults have a plan"

I hated that phrase and still do because I think it misses two things (1) life happens and things sometimes just don't go the why we plan - for better or worse and (2) some people don't know what they want to do in life in general - and that's ok. Over the weekend, I had two interactions with adults during two specific Princeton-related events that really gave me some insight into what I'm doing right now and where I'm headed in the upcoming months.

First on Saturday after the Association of Black Princeton Alumni, I received a ride to the Shady Grove Metro Station from an older alum in the Class of 1974. It was about a ten minute drive from the BBQ to the Metro Station, but in that time we covered a lot of ground. The highlight of this drive was the following exchange (I'm paraphrasing here):

Me: (Referring to a friend) Yep she has everything planned and all of her ducks in a row. 

The Alum: (chuckles) I always smile when younger people present their plan all laid out.

Me: Because stuff happens?

The Alum: Because life happens.

The second eye popping moment happened yesterday while I was on the Why Princeton? information panel for high school juniors  in downtown D.C. When the moderator asked me "what I did after graduating?" - I was perfectly honest:

• Spent the summer and fall job hunting and figuring things out (while watching lots of Sportscenter and NFL Network - I actually did say this). 

• Worked as an administrative assistant and receptionist at a non-profit  - N4A (love you guys!) 

• Became a Princeton Project 55 Fellow in last month. 

During the Q&A portion of the panel, one young man asked me and my co-panelist what was Princeton's biggest strength and greatest weakness. For a strength, I talked about my school's generosity on every level - from top to bottom. And before I said the weakness, I hesitated... and answered it's Career Services, because they couldn't help someone like me who wasn't as focus or knew what he wanted to do (I did qualify this, by saying my lack of direction was on me). 

After the program, that same young man came up to me and thanked me for my honesty - and so did his mother. She told me that she had gone to Barnard back in the 70s and also was a receptionist for her first job out of college. Then she said something that I didn't exactly expect - 

"I'm so much older than you and I still don't know what I want to do and that's ok. What's important is that you're happy and able to support your family." 

Wow - I needed to hear that. And that's real stuff.

Some people know what they want to do and do it - awesome stuff!

Conversely, there are other folks who are not quite sure what they want to do yet - and that's cool as well. Does it make me any less of an adult that I don't know the exact path I want to embark on - I don't think so. The funny thing is that one of these days - probably while I'm at my desk at work - it's going to hit me; and when it does, I'm going for it.

I'll have a little more to say about this later, but for now I'll leave you with this thought: I launched a website today: http://www.digitalpromise.org/

:)

My Life is so Princeton...

Later today, I am going to be a panelist on "Why Princeton?" for the third consecutive year. Why Princeton? is an informative panel organized by the University's Admissions Office for current D.C. area high school juniors who are interested applying to become Tigers (presumably for the Class of 2017). I always love the opportunity to represent my alma matter and appreciate programs in which I'm able to interact and help younger students. Coincidentally, this panel later today will be the second of three Princeton programs that I'll be participating in (or attending) this week. Yesterday, I went to an awesome cookout sponsored by the Association of Black Princeton Alumni and on Thursday, I am helping to execute a Princeton Club of Washington program featuring FBI Director and fellow alum Robert Mueller '66. My life is shaded in black and orange.


In fact, my life is so Princeton that it's ridiculous. Here's how:

1. I'm a Princeton Project '55 Fellow (a program that enables recent Princeton grads to work in non-profit).

2. I am the Programs Chair of the Princeton Club of Washington and organize about 3-4 events for the club per month.

3. Along with my friend AM, I'm one of the regional VPs or representatives for my Class (of 2011)

4. I am affiliated with the Association of Black Princeton Alumni (but not an official paying member yet)


It's just interesting how a lot of this stuff happens. When I moved back home to Silver Spring, I thought that I would have more time to hang out with the friends that I grew up with and maybe make new friends in the area. Moving forward, I would like to make more non-Princeton friends as well as chill more with the folks who've I known before I went to school up north; that's why Friday night was great.

On Friday night, I went to the Nationals game with my good friend MF - we played baseball together threw elementary and middle school - and we just had a blast like old times. The two of us met up with some more buddies and watched the a long ballgame between the Nats and Baltimore Orioles - the two teams that we  grew up with. It was a good night indeed.

I guess I'm writing this to say that I am not feeling nostalgic or anything, but need to "move beyond the bubble" here in D.C. People talk about "getting outside of the bubble" while in Princeton, but it also exists in the real world as well, especially if you live in Washington D.C. or New York City. Both of those regions have a strong alumni presence and it's easy to stay within that social space or circle.

2012 has already been an amazing year (and way more enjoyable than 2011) and this is in large part due to the Princeton Club of Washington and Project 55. I'm going to continue to have a strong presence in both of these organizations, but I'm also going to do my best to expand my circle.

D.C. is a large town and I have lots of people to meet; I'm looking forward to it!

Appreciating Chuck Brown

Chuck Brown - a legend. 

I am fortunate to say that I have seen Chuck Brown and his band perform three times. The first time was in March 2007 at Constitution Hall. He went performed right before The Roots and was amazing. In the summer of 2010, I saw Chuck Brown perform at the Summer Spirit Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Finally, during last year's Labor Day weekend, I saw Chuck Brown perform with the National Symphony Orchestra on the grounds of the Capital - truly magnificent. I think I can safely say that the majority of the folks there didn't come to see the National Symphony Orchestra; they came to see Chuck. 

I think there are three reasons why I appreciate Chuck Brown. The first thing and foremost his music is amazing! Go-go music is right up my alley - it's a sub-genre of funk with elements of Latin and West African music (the call and response elements of go-go go back to West African music and the Black Church tradition). The go-go I grew up with is really of the new school because it incorporates elements of hip-hop; all of this comes from Chuck Brown - "The Godfather of Go-Go" - Check this out: 

This song is really both old school and new school because it has hip-hop elements, yet incorporates that old school feel (I don't remember the sample here, but it is so familiar). "Block Party" is the type of song that my parents and I would both appreciate - Chuck Brown's music is inter-generational and thus timeless. 

Secondly, I appreciate how much Chuck Brown has done for the community, i.e. black people in D.C. If you just read one article or reflection on Chuck Brown his contributions to the D.C. will be evident immediately. Read this. Chuck Brown (and his music) was always positive and was about community and feeling good. 

Lastly, more so than any other person (artist, athlete, or politician), Chuck Brown personifies D.C. Repeat: Chuck Brown Personifies D.C. In addition to being the fundamental figure behind D.C.'s unique cultural contribution to music, Chuck captured a sense of style and humility that I believe is a trademark of this city; I know that this city is changing, but I hope it doesn't lose those two traits. 

If you're not from D.C., there's a good chance that you are unfamiliar with Chuck Brown or his legacy; if so, this will give you a good idea of how important this man was to the DMV: 

The Front Page of the Washington Post

 Thank you Chuck Brown and Rest in Peace 

Back at Princeton… Again!

Right now, I am sitting on the floor in the train station in Trenton, New Jersey after visiting Princeton earlier today for the Project 55 Orientation. Although I was only in Princeton, and on campus, for a few hours (from 7:00 pm to 4:00 pm), I had a blast! In fact, it was probably one of the most enjoyable experiences I had in regards to returning to campus as alum! Now how could I say this when I’ve been back for Lawnparties featuring Gym Class Heroes and participated in Quad 2^nd round pickups? Well, for starters, this time was much better than the last (and I won’t go into that situation), but more importantly…

It was nice and simple.

This time around, there were no lunches or dinners to arrange; no MegaBus or SEPTA to take to Philadelphia; no down-time, no shows to attend (although I’ve enjoyed supporting my friends)… this time just me, Project 55 Orientation, and a really meaningful conversation with two people who really understand me and I care about.

First off, I took a 3:15 am train from DC to Trenton (so early). When I arrived in Trenton at 5:43 am, I caught the 606 bus into Princeton just 10 minutes later. At close to 7:00 am, I came onto campus via Fitz-Randolph Gates and walked down to the Wawa for 24 ounces of caffeine. Afterwards, I met S and she let me into a common room where I had the chance to do some PCW work our upcoming event with FBI Director Mueller and a June tour of Italian artwork at the National Gallery of Art.

At 9:45 am, my Princeton Project 55 Fellowship orientation took place in the Friend Center (essentially an engineering related building). In many ways, it felt like a dream; if you told me back in November or even the beginning of March (when we had the #DoOrDieMarch – remember that?) that not only I would be a PP55 Fellow, but I would also be working in April in a position that I enjoy and find challenging - there is no way I would have believed you.  Yet a few hours ago, that’s where I was.

Before the orientation began, I had the opportunity to thank the PP55 and Alumnicorps staff for everything that they’ve done for me as well as catch up with some old friends who are also current/future PP55 Fellows. The orientation itself was great in that it was fast paced and contained a lot of information. I found myself getting along well with the other DC PP55 Fellows and cannot wait to interact with them later in the summer.

Although there were very insightful presentations on health care/taxes, networking, and the “Fellowship experience” given at the orientation, none of them compared to the best part of the orientation: reconnecting with my friend PN.

PN is one of the most compassionate and hardest working folks I know. I learned a lot from him when we were officers together in Sustained Dialogue. It’s been a while since we’ve seen one another, but I we hugged and chatted for a good five minutes or so.  The reason PN was at the PP55 orientation is that he is now one of the key staff on the Alumnicorps team and I’ll be interacting with him on a regular basis during my internship. I’m very happy for my friend because he deserves it, really cares for others, and I cannot think of anyone better to take the post. Also, I’m glad PN is in the fold because if there’s anyone who can relate to my experience over the past year, it’s him.

After the orientation, I headed straight to Quad. The first thing that happens when I walk into the door is that I get big smiles and hugs from KK and CC – quick side note: I hope they don’t mind me saying this, but KK and CC are both absolute sweethearts and wonderful people – it was great to see them! This type of welcome/greeting is something that means a lot to me because it’s nice, simple, and warm. Next, I went upstairs and met up with SO. With the help of some cushions (because the surface was SO warm), we chatted outside on the roof of Quad. Quad has a lot of nice views, but the view from the roof is the best… really beautiful.  Whenever I speak one-on-one with SO, it’s really nice because she’s someone who has known me for a while; I can be myself around her and just relax. And it’s the same way with MR, whom we chatted with on the patio of Quad as she came.

SO, MR, and I spent a good 40 minutes or so on the patio just talking. We chatted about a variety of things, but all-in-all it was great to see them. Without going into details, the three of us caught up and had a thoughtful conversation about life, friendship, and relationships. Regarding the last topic, relationships, it’s interesting to think about how the three of us have evolved and changed our perspectives via different experiences. The events of the past year or so have greatly changed my outlook on relationships, but that’s another story (or blog entry). It was great spending time with SO and MR on a beautiful day outside.  I am so glad that MR is going to be in DC for a while beginning in the summer; I’m envisioning a lot of great summer nights of me, her, and AM just chatting and relaxing on the weekend and after work.

There’s one more really nice thing that happened at Quad: I was able to see and congratulate BC in person on his law school admission – awesome stuff!

(I’m now writing this entry at 3:25 on Sunday morning)

I left Princeton at 4:00 pm and was hungry. Since the last time I visited the Trenton Transit Center a McDonald’s was added. Since I was moderately hungry (needed a little more than a snack, but not a meal), I ordered a McNuggets Mighty Kids Meal at McDonald’s (it’s like a Happy Meal, but for bigger kids). Of course, I only wanted to eat the food and did not need the toy (besides, I have a lot toys already lol – just kidding). I looked around and there was a woman eating a burger with two little boys. I went up to them and asked “excuse me, would one of you like my Happy Meal toy?” The bigger boy just took it J The woman thanked me twice (once then and again when they left). When I was a little kid, one of the most profound memoires I have is of this one time my father and I at a McDonald’s outside of Baltimore. When I got my Happy Meal, the McDonald’s ran out of toys and I was visibly upset. This guy saw me, came over to where we were sitting, and gave me his happy meal toy; this one seemingly small thing made such a big impression upon me. It’s kind of funny how those things happen…

Another funny thing that happened was seeing my friend B (from Princeton and the DC area) waiting for the train back to DC from Trenton. It was excellent fortune that we saw each other and were able to sit together for the duration of the two hour train ride. Hanging out with B on the train was a classic example of the idea that time passes quickly when you’re with good folk or good company. Once again, without going into too much detail, we had the type of nice conversation that you couldn’t have unless you were riding on a train. It was nice to spend time with B and have a great talk.

Just looking back on my day, it was awesome and special in an ordinary way. I didn’t have any big plans, but there were just nice moments spread throughout. I reconnect with old friends and gained some wonderful insights into my PP55 Fellowship.

Anyhow, I need to get some sleep; besides, I have a job now :)

Reflections on Last Week

A lot of great things happened last week, including the first week of my Project 55 Fellowship. Here are some quick thoughts:

Work:

• When you enjoy what you do, you'll want to put in the extra-time. 
• If you want to be "The Best" at what you do, you need to put in the extra-time.
• The Metro is too expensive during Rush Hour (I pay $4.70 for a one-way trip from Wheaton to Dupont  Circle on the Red Line). 
• Speaking of Dupont Circle, there are lots of great spots to grab lunch; however, if I want to save up for an apartment, I won't be eating at any of them on a regular basis.
• Walking from Dupont Circle to U Street is a great walk!
• A machine that can scan documents and convert them into PDFs is a Godsend! 
• I'm really enjoying what I'm doing right now. 
• Preparation and "attention to detail" is very important in the workplace. 

Life: 

• My parents are the best! 
• I can't wait to room with AR in September, but we need to find a place and do some research, lol. 
• I need to move out not just because I want my own place, but also the commute to/from work takes a lot out of me each day.
• Trio Restaurant is WAY TOO expensive for an after work food and/or drink, but it's always worth it to visit RP :) 
• I feel like the past year has been a wild, rough ride, but now "I'm back!"
• Practically speaking, the only person I'm responsible for right now is me. 
• Wordsworth: "the world is all before me now" - this is exactly how I feel.

Virginia Gold Cup - University Row (I went to some horse races yesterday)

• I can never remember having a bad time while hanging out with AM; in fact every time is a lot of fun :) 
• After spending time with older young alums (in their 20s) from other universities, I realized that for the most part single folks in their 20s and 30s are basically at the same place
• I learned a lot about life, love, and relationships by having a bus conversation with a married woman in her 40s. 
• It's a little strange when an alum in his 40s tries to hang with the younger crowd and is SO obviously  out of place. 
• No one goes to University Row for the horse races... 

Random: 

• It's time for a "new look" and haircut. 
• I love the episodes of South Park that feature interactions between Cartman and Token - hilarious stuff!
• I think... and this is a big "I think" that Ric Flair is my all-time favorite professional wrestler (it used to be Hulk Hogan, but his work-rate is horrible). 
• I don't think there's anyway whatsoever in which I can relate to Mitt Romney... none 
• I need to do more professional development activities.
• Bryce Harper is the real deal! 
• Brian McKnight has taken his career to the next level with "If Your Ready To Learn" 
• I can't wait for Reunions! 
• Something tells me "business is about to pick up" even more - let's go! 

#TeamRAG 

I walk through the actual Dupont Circle everyday, lol