Back in highschool, I was really fortunate to participate in the crazy long, but rewarding Coca-Cola Scholars program. It changed my life (literally, I ended up going to the college I did because I could afford it after this scholarship BUT I also met a lot of folks that just changed my life).

Journaling (under the photo that flips up) reads: That weekend changed my life. I had never been told that I couldn't do it but all around me there were subtle subliminal messages telling me that I would be special, abnormal or even unordinary if I did do it. diversity scholarships with lower requirements. getting into schools the valedictorian wasn't hearing back from. going to scholarship receptions and being the only one. then I went to ATL. my life changed. A&M was no longer good enough because they were all reaching higher. and they were all just like me. Accents, kinky hair, dark skin and smart!

I know...totally not PC, but up until that moment, I'd gone through life being called an "oreo" (aka black on the outside white on the inside) for "speaking right" and being smart so to go to that weekend and be in the company of so many kids who were BRILLIANT, popular and still keeping it real was just a life changing experience for me.