Author: Auriel S

Auriel Scott is a content contributor for MBG, focusing on topics regarding education & college. She is currently a senior studying Marketing and Communications with a minor in Mass Communication. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping and traveling.
Education, Motivation, TheMBG, Thoughts of a Black Girl

Toast To New Beginnings

Auriel S

Graduation Season.

The time where we celebrate those who have crossed over into the adult world and have checked off their box of receiving their long-awaited and deserved degree. Graduates all across the country are embarking on this new journey called adult-hood and let’s face it. It’s not the easiest thing in life. No one truly understands what it’s like to go from being in school and whether or not you’re self-sufficient or depend on your parents or parental figure for support but to be now thrown the curve of the world expecting so much more out of you.

Someone once told me, “In college you’re still cute and cuddly. People still want to help you out but when you graduate you’re now competition and you’re on your own.” As friends graduate and look toward their future. I can’t help but realize that this so true. They no longer are looked at as the young adults who are striving to provide a better future for themselves but accomplish their dreams; but more so as competitors looking to enter their field. The unfortunate truth is this principle still remains in so many people in the different industries across the spectrum. But don’t let this deter you from helping or reaching to someone you know or may not know and offering your expertise when you see fit. As a graduate there’s so many people who could use your guidance and wisdom and sometimes it’s just that one person that change someone’s direction of life.

Graduating… It’s hard, yes but it’s also a new beginning. It’s the time now where they can shine and showcase all the different skills and knowledge they’ve obtained throughout their academic career and begin to make their impact on the world. Nurses, marketing executives, entrepreneurs, accountants, engineers and psychologist just to name a few. All just waiting in the shadows for their moment to change lives and ultimately the world.

So whether this is your first degree or your PhD. Congratulations to all of the beautiful black women and (men) of course for all your hard work. Take the time to enjoy it but don’t become complacent. Continue striving for greatness and achieving all your goals. I am proud of you.

CHEERS TO YOU.

Education, Motivation, Thoughts of a Black Girl

It’s Time

Auriel S

“I can’t wait to grow up!”

A common phrase each of us used when we were younger and didn’t get our way with utter attitude underneath our breaths. Whether it was I wasn’t allowed to go to a friend’s house when I wanted to or I simply wanted to do something I knew I shouldn’t be doing.

 

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But now at 21, wrapping up my junior year in college I am all of sudden hit with the reality that it’s time. It’s time to move on and enter the real adult world. The thing that I craved so badly as a child is something that frightens me as an adult.

Am I ready for adulthood?

 

No but really though?

 

Am I really prepared to go to work from 9-5 and then come home, go to the gym, hangout with a few friends and have to be at 7 am the next morning and do it all over again?

 

Am I ready for it?

“Adulting” a phrase that I’ve come to realize the older generations hate but a term that accurately describes so much of our lives as young black women. You’re learning to adult. There’s no manual to show you how to do it. There’s no rule book you can reference whenever things get difficult.

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You’re in this!

Surprise!

Now real life starts.


It’s now where we learn how to navigate the world for ourselves. Our challenges are now our own and our success are that much better. Our failures have far worst consequences than simply telling our parents we got a C in math. I’m often shook at the fact that more often than not, we’re not really taught how to be an adult. It’s one of those things where you just start inch-ing out there and then eventually you find your footing.

Not saying you won’t stumble or fall flat on your face sometimes but it’s the journey that’s the most important. It’s what you learn along the way and how you take those lessons and implement them into your life.

 

Are you ready?

Education, Thoughts of a Black Girl, Uncategorized

A Letter To Freshman Me

Auriel S

Dear Youngin’,

Wow! Who would’ve thought you’d be here today. Who would of thought you’d learn so much in the span of two and a half years. It’s crazy where life takes you and sometimes it’s difficult to understand the journey but don’t ever question it.

Looking back there’s so many things I wish I could tell you but the truth be told, I wouldn’t be able to sit here and have this wisdom if you didn’t go through the situations that not only bent you a little or a lot but molded you into a fearless young beast.

So here’s some things you should know.

You Are Powerful

Don’t ever question what you’re capable of. As cliche as it sounds you have the ability to make a difference and you know exactly what you want to accomplish. Do not let the world and those around you sway you away from your destiny and truth. You can honestly do anything you put your mind to and the only thing standing in your way is YOU. Go for it!

You Are Worth It

You are worth waiting for. You are worth someone who will really be a someone who will uplift you and not tear you down. You are worthy of  trust-filled friendships. You are worthy. Do not give into others demands because you feel as if you’re not worth this or that. Believe in your worth and know it without a doubt.

Stop Trying To Please Everyone

Look I get it. You’re new to this. You’ve never been on your own and had to deal with 4 roommates who are all completely different. You’ve never been separated from your friends of 10 years and had to make new ones but don’t feel like you have to make everyone happy. Not being rude but you physically cannot satisfy each and every person in your life. You just can’t and you know what? That’s Okay!

You Have Time

You are 18 years old. Don’t rush the process. You have plenty of time to be an adult. You have time to find a relationship. You have time to find a job and be free from your parents supporting you. Now at 21 I can say you’ll still struggle with this, it doesn’t just go away but really live in the moment. You’ll never be as young and free as you are today and take advantage of that. Live each day like it’s your last and enjoy it. Go to that party. Go to the dining hall with everyone even though you only have $15. Make the memories now because when your time does come and adulthood is really bestowed upon you. It’s these memories that will forever make you smile.

Call Home More

Check-in more than once a week. I know you’re busy and calling mom and dad just because seems pointless. I know mama calls at the absolute worst times and dad always calls at 8:30 on Saturday like you’re not still passed out from the night before but it’s just them missing you. Yes, you’re on your own now and an adult “technically” but you’ll always be their baby girl. They’re not being annoying, they’re just missing you.

Love,

Auri

What would you tell your freshman self?

Thoughts of a Black Girl

The Rhythm of Understanding

Auriel S

“The music you listen to says a lot about you.”

A statement I thought I’d never hear at a job interview. Still, the question stayed with me. Does the music you listen to really say a lot about you as a person? Don’t get me wrong I love some of the artist that are out today but I’m a huge old school artist fan. Maybe because I grew up listening to it on the way to school with the parents or maybe because I just love a good story.


Some of my favorite artist of all time are Tupac, Faith Evans, India. Arie and Nas.  But I also have an appreciation for the artist of today as well. Whether it be Drake or the Migos. But if you ask me what my favorite songs are they come from one those first 3 artist. So what does that say about me?

It made me wonder, if someone was to look in our playlist right now what would they find? Does it matter if your playlist is filled with classics such as Keep Ya Head Up or Mo Money Mo Problems or the current hits from PnB and Post Malone?

Can this really give an in depth look into who we are as a person?

In a sense I guess it can.

I mean we often listen to things we can relate to 85% of the time. It’s the same reason some of our playlist are filled with middle school hits. We can relate to how we felt at the moment this song came out or the feeling of nostalgia thinking about simpler times. It’s all in the stories and how they’re delivered.

Just this summer my little brother told me I have “weird taste” in music. His explanation was that I listen to old meaningful songs. I laughed it off at the moment but it’s true. I like to think I live each day with a meaningful purpose. So maybe I like to hear people talk about how they did the same thing.

As much as I like A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie sometimes I just don’t know how I can relate to it on a deeper level. It just doesn’t resonate with me and my personal experiences but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t relate to somebody else.

It’s obvious that on some level the music we choose to listen to resonates and means something to us in a way. Whether it’s going through a breakup or overcoming different challenges in your life, it’s our way of knowing that somebody out there understands us.

We change and evolve and when we do so does our music.

Do you agree?

What music do you listen to and why?

Community, Education, Opinions, Thoughts of a Black Girl, Uncategorized

Through A Looking Glass

Auriel S

Life at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) is very different.

Growing up I attended predominantly white middle and high schools, so life at The University of Central Florida wasn’t a true culture shock. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been outnumbered by my white peers in my 7th grade American History class or my 12th grade AP Comp class. However, there is a vast difference once you attend an institution of college ranking.

Let me give you a little bit of background. I am the product of an Historically Black College or University (HBCU). My parents met and started dating while attending Bethune Cookman. It’s traditionally our family school and in fact I’m the only one out of my cousins who didn’t attend. Since I go to UCF it’s only an hour drive if I want to visit but I don’t get to experience the culture every day.

So, what’s the culture like at a PWI?

Like everything it has it pros and cons.

Let’s start with pros. For instance, it’s easily recognized. More often than not in an interview many employers ask me how I like attending such a large school and the rising our football team. With UCF being in the heart of Orlando and being widely known for its hospitality program, major companies such as Universal and Disney recruit directly through the school. This doesn’t just apply for hospitality for many other majors. Engineering students are always in Google’s crosshairs and they try to obtain the best of the best before they graduate. Business students are constantly offered opportunities to network with companies such as the Orlando Magic, Lockheed Martin, and Verizon. Lastly, it’s inexpensive. We are considered one of the cheapest schools in Florida, partially due to the number of students that attend.

Now the cons, it’s a different culture. We have identified our own culture within the school and carved out an existence that we can call our own but it’s just a small segment on the spectrum. 9/10 we are outnumbered in our classrooms and are properly represented. We don’t get the close at home feel that everyone wants you to succeed. Don’t get me wrong there are some professors who genuinely want you to succeed but it’s not as evident as at an HBCU. It’s a more survival of the fittest atmosphere rather than a sense of community. It’s more competitive and less cooperative. Since you’re the minority the administration isn’t really in touch with your reality. They see issues through their lenses and at times the lenses is quite foggy. The truth of the matter is at a PWI you are still the minority and the administration is focused on the majority. Not always but for the most part.

So when choosing your school, examine what do you want. Do you want the home feeling? Do you want school recognition? Do you want to be surrounded by those who share a similar culture to yours? Are you okay being the minority? These are all essential questions that should be answered when choosing the school that’s right for you.

Do you agree?

Leave your comments down below!

As Always,

 

Education, Love, Thoughts of a Black Girl, Uncategorized

Is College For Relationships?

Auriel S

How many of us came to college with a special someone from back home?

How many of us are still with that person?

Through my 3 years at college there’s one thing that I’ve realized when it comes to relationships. You don’t really see a lot of them. People will date for a few months but long term relationships are practically nonexistent.
Why do you think this is?

Well personally I always have believed that college is the time where many people go to find themselves. It’s where you’re free from your parents rules and regulations and can finally figure out what you want out of life. It’s a place where you’re continuously changing and growing and it is difficult to do that when you’re attached to someone else.

I look back on the freshman I was in 2015 and don’t recognize her sometimes. I have grown immensely. I’ve went through relationships and have grown out of them because I realized I wanted more or the qualities I thought I wanted in someone changed. I look for different things in partners now than I did two years ago and I can honestly say that I’m positive that will continue to change over the next few years.

My mom used to always tell me “You have your whole life to be tied down, enjoy your freedom while you can.” I don’t know if this just stuck with me or did I just grow to realize that being tied down is not what I want for myself in college.

Now this is not to dismiss those of you who are in amazing relationships and can grow together. I’m always amazed at couples who have made it through the test of time in college and look forward to their future together. A common theme they always reiterated is that communication and understanding is what got them through.


Could this the problem with dating in college? Do we as young adults lack communication and understanding? I know I’m not perfect and I have so much growing to do but I don’t believe I’m a bad communicator at all and I’m one of the most understanding people out there. So is it by choice that many of us in college remain single or is by force to teach us how to communicate with our partners trial by trial until we get it right? With every new relationship do we learn to understand a little more?

Ultimately, is college for relationships or is it a trial of what an adult relationship will consist of so that when you meet that person, your person, you’ve grown and have developed into the adult who you need to be for that relationship to work?

You tell me!

#MustKnow, Thoughts of a Black Girl

Black History Month At PWI’s vs HBCU’s

Auriel S

February.
Black History Month.

The month that we celebrate the accomplishments of prominent members of the African American society. The month we are able to recognize those that came before us and acknowledge where the African American Community is heading in terms of advancements.

Black History Month at a PWI is often an odd time. It’s time where the Black community is continuously celebrating and brings out their best Afrocentric gear. However on a wider scale, at UCF Black History Month is more  of a footnote in the school agenda opposed to the main article.

Now this isn’t to be blamed on the school itself. It is a Public White Institution and many of the student’s don’t hold this month to the same esteem as the Black Community.
Why is that?

Why is that even in today’s society a month that is dedicated to the celebration of accomplishments of those who have paved the way for many of the aspect that are essential to our lives today. From the creation of the first blood bank to traffic signals. Without these intelligent and determined African Americans, we as Americans would lack so many inventions that make life today what it is.

Is it because we’re only allotted one month a year where you celebrate these accomplishments? Is it because as Blacks we are taught to appreciate people such as Malcolm X and Madame C.J. Walker for all the advancements they made for us? Is it because since I attend a PWI, my white counterparts have not simply been taught the same thing? 

There’s so many reasons that Black History Month isn’t held to the same standard at a PWI. Yes, there’s the Multicultural Student Center who host events and post banners. But why is that we need a Multicultural Student Center in the first place for a school to recognize the importance of the month?

Why is it that at HBCUs this month means something. It’s month where are speakers and tours and constant talk and appreciation for those who have paved the way for us? Why is that at a PWI we are still fighting for that same recognition?

It could be culture gap. It could be the way that the PWI white community was raised and how they were indirectly taught to perceive this month. It could be a lot of factors but the question remains.

When will there be no difference in celebration?