Remembrance: RIP Mr. T

One year ago today, a great, loving, and wise man ascended towards heaven. As I mourned with and comforted my family and friends, I could not forget Mr. Toliver's impact on my life.  Mr. T always knew just what to say, even if it wasn't necessarily what you wanted to hear right then and there. A few years ago, I experienced some rough patches academically, socially, and personally, and Mr. T gave me one of the greatest pieces of advice regarding reactions to mistakes in life or any situation for that matter.

Here is a blog post that I wrote last year, nearly 2 weeks before his passing:http://maleshiaj.blogspot.com/2011/02/two-reactions-to-mistakes.html

Wow. Since then I've grown to be a stronger person, excelled, and have made a difference around me. I thank Mr. T and my Meyerhoff family for believing in me and seeing that I maximize my potential. To this day, I am still humbled to know that Mr. T reached out personally to my mom around and after selection weekend just to say that he wanted me in the program. This was before I even set foot on the UMBC campus! That's love. Your legacy lives on and you are never forgotten. Rest in Peace Mr. LaMont Toliver.

Banana Pudding: Christmas Dessert

I used the same technique as described in my previous blog on banana pudding. The use a more decorative bowl adds to the overall presentation of the dish at hand. This pudding was mighty tasty, if I do say so for myself. Making banana pudding has to be one of my more enjoyable dishes to make.

We Must Change the Culture of Science and Teaching: Freeman Hrabowski at TEDxMidAtlantic 2012

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of the the University of Maryland Baltimore County (my Alma Mater) speaking on the importance of STEM education.  This man speaks the truth.  The key is early exposure and belief in youths' potential.

The Bird's Nest

Election Day

The lines were extremely long - a beautiful thing.

Mi madre.

My mom and I.