What good is knowledge if you don't use it for something? Or apply it to better your life or the life of another. It would be a waste to go to school to get a degree if you don't plan to do anything with it. Always begin with the end in mind. I guess it's like that sometimes.
This afternoon, while in the shower, I had somewhat of an epiphany. What would I do if I won a million dollars? I had never seriously thought of a realistic answer to this question, but I know for a fact I wouldn't go insane with materialistic endeavors.
The first few things that ran through my mind were to pay off student loans and bills, donate money to various foundations (Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, UMBC Foundation, my high school, the National Society of Black Engineers, etc.), and help out my immediate family with necessary expenditures.
Then I thought to myself, what if I started a Maleshia Jones Foundation, one that would raise money to provide academic scholarships and youth outreach programs for underrepresented communities within the Maryland area (maybe start locally on a county level and see where and how it expands). The primary foundational foci would be on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and youth outreach programs that engage students and get them interested in science and engineering. I would first direct my focus on girls in science and engineering. The underlying premise would be that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to regardless of your economic, cultural, or academic background. With guidance and support, the journey is a bit easier and more fulfilling. So much can be learned along the way. The struggle is real. I know firsthand.
I am built for this. My upbringing has allowed me to see both sides of the spectrum. It is not easy doing your best when you have so many things trying to discourage you or knock you down. Support is everything. That is what I hope to provide to young students with dwindling confidence. I want to share my stories of challenge, struggle, doubt, triumph, growth, faith, and success in hopes of inspiring others that they can succeed also and rise above barriers.
I have to get all this down because such a small seed has the potential to grow into something so great and magnificent. What I dream of may be ahead of me at the moment, but if it is meant to be, my dream will come to fruition. Soon my 'what if' will turn into a 'it is' by the grace of God. May God continue to guide me on my journey to help and bless others.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Are You Really Living?
Live (verb)
to have life, as an organism; be alive; be capable of vital functions; to continue to have life; remain alive; to continue in existence, operation, memory, etc.; to last; to maintain or support one's existence; provide for oneself; to feed or subsist (usually followed by on or upon ); to enjoy life to the fullest
Live (adjective)
living; full of life, energy or activity
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As I sit here in my living room on my laptop and watch an assortment of television programs, I make exchanges between my computer screen and my mother, who is relaxing on the couch along with me. My mind begins to wander about the idea of life. We, as individuals, are all placed on this earth for a specific purpose; what it is exactly is what we have to find out. This is something that I've mentioned numerous times for it holds true.
I began to ask myself, "What is the difference between the state of me and my mom?" *Note: I am only using my mom as an example because she is somewhat the inspiration for this post.* The major difference is that I am actively working towards something for the betterment of myself (college degree, grad school, work experience). Now, I understand that this difference does not take into consideration what my mom's goals may be or what she's actively working towards, but from my perspective it just seems like it is all routine to make ends meet. Wake up. Shower and get dressed. Go to work, school, or whatever may occupy your time. Come home. Eat dinner. Watch TV or use the Internet. Go to sleep. Wake up and repeat.
It all becomes second nature to the point that you begin to forget about your passions, the things that drive you to tackle the next big thing, the next big project, the next big dream, and the next big goal. Living should be about actively working towards a better tomorrow and living your life to the fullest. With each day, routine or not, I feel that we all should get at least one step closer to what makes us happy.
Check this out:
“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”
to have life, as an organism; be alive; be capable of vital functions; to continue to have life; remain alive; to continue in existence, operation, memory, etc.; to last; to maintain or support one's existence; provide for oneself; to feed or subsist (usually followed by on or upon ); to enjoy life to the fullest
Live (adjective)
living; full of life, energy or activity
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
As I sit here in my living room on my laptop and watch an assortment of television programs, I make exchanges between my computer screen and my mother, who is relaxing on the couch along with me. My mind begins to wander about the idea of life. We, as individuals, are all placed on this earth for a specific purpose; what it is exactly is what we have to find out. This is something that I've mentioned numerous times for it holds true.
I began to ask myself, "What is the difference between the state of me and my mom?" *Note: I am only using my mom as an example because she is somewhat the inspiration for this post.* The major difference is that I am actively working towards something for the betterment of myself (college degree, grad school, work experience). Now, I understand that this difference does not take into consideration what my mom's goals may be or what she's actively working towards, but from my perspective it just seems like it is all routine to make ends meet. Wake up. Shower and get dressed. Go to work, school, or whatever may occupy your time. Come home. Eat dinner. Watch TV or use the Internet. Go to sleep. Wake up and repeat.
It all becomes second nature to the point that you begin to forget about your passions, the things that drive you to tackle the next big thing, the next big project, the next big dream, and the next big goal. Living should be about actively working towards a better tomorrow and living your life to the fullest. With each day, routine or not, I feel that we all should get at least one step closer to what makes us happy.
Check this out:
“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”
-Horace, Ode I-XI "Carpe Diem"
In whatever you do, always remember to seize the day and live your life to the fullest, no matter what your circumstances may be. Cherish each moment, love, laugh, and live fruitfully.
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Before I close out this post, I pose this last question to you: Are you really living?
In whatever you do, always remember to seize the day and live your life to the fullest, no matter what your circumstances may be. Cherish each moment, love, laugh, and live fruitfully.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Before I close out this post, I pose this last question to you: Are you really living?
Labels:
carpe diem,
Horace,
life,
live,
living,
ode,
purpose,
seize the day
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