identity – The Modern Black Girl

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?

“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?

Tag: identity

A Letter To Freshman Me

The Rhythm of Understanding