The last day of class was December 10, 2012.  Some of us thought that this day would never come. Many of us, checked out a long time ago, but for those who outlast all of the trials and tribulations, we did it. I know that there are many students that went through some tough times. Some lost member of there families. Some lost their spouses. Some even lost a child or children. I want to say to all of you that my prayers are with you, whom ever you are. You have conquered obstacles that many couldn’t for what ever reason. I am proud of you and I thank you for your example.  I am very happy to say the word SENIOR.  Your time has finally arrived and to all of the Seniors who will graduate in two weeks, GO JAGUARS! You are the last official graduating class of Augusta State University 2012. Great job. God bless.

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The Student Activities Board did a wonderful job in sponsoring different events. My nephews enjoyed the Universal Birthday party. They spent almost all of their time with the magician that was present. They also enjoyed swimming at the Kroc center. I almost couldn’t get them out of the pool. There were other events but the final event was Breakfast with Santa in addition to the lighting of the Christmas tree. They enjoyed playing with other children. It’s so important for a child to be a child. There are so many unpleasant things happening to children these days. Anytime I see nothing but teeth and smiles from ear to ear, I know my nephews are enjoying themselves and are happy. I gathered from the looks on all of the other children’s faces, that they were happy too. In fact, when I looked around the room, all I saw were teeth and smiles. I feel that everything is in order when a child is happy…

Santa had so many helpers and elves. They did everything from serve food, tell stories, arts and crafts and etc. Thank you Student Activities Board. “YOU DID IT AGAIN”. I know my nephews enjoyed themselves the entire semester and I enjoyed watching them have a great time.

I started cooking on that Wednesday and finished up on Thursday. I sent out text messages to family and friends asking them to send me pictures of their blessings. What a feast everyone had. It’s a wonder that I was able to reach anyone after dinner, that’s why I asked for the pictures before they started eating. I hope the pictures are enjoyed.  I also hope they don’t make you hungry because you would have to could these meals to eat them. Thank you to all that responded to my texts with beautiful pictures. I love you all.

Enjoy your love ones and let them enjoy you. Some of us have lost love ones that will not be here on Thanksgiving day. It’s hard, I know. I lost seven people in my family in 2011. It’s my hope that everyone that have grievances or grudges can let them go and enjoy a day of giving thanks. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Please share a gift of kindness this holiday. Buy someone a meal. Pay for someones bus ticket home if you can. Yes, even invite people to worship at your church if you desire, but that’s easy. The question is can you invite someone to your church without saying a word? I try daily to let my light shine because I don’t know who is in the dark trying to find their way home. If I can even be a penlight that shines just enough for anyone to see the path of love, then I am happy to do so.  God bless and happy eating.

I met up with some of my Veteran women friends and we cruised up and down Washington road. The women, a total of seven had more then 100 service years combined. I was a baby and when compared to these women, didn’t have even half of the knowledge that they possessed. I listened at the stories they told me. I was in awe at the sacrifices that they have made and still are making. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I couldn’t say it enough. Now, feast your eyes on all of the places that we visited. Oh, and thank you to all of the restaurants and businesses that made a veteran like me feel appreciated.

The day was so beautiful that all I wanted to do is get a vanilla ice cream from Dairy Queen and sit on a bench and watch life happen. I came across some ASU students who put into action what I was feeling. What day to worry about nothing and just be happy.

Mr. Robinson told everyone about how the General Service (GS) has 250 pay scales. I think that all of the room was surprised when he said that education is not what the federal government is interested in. The federal government is interested in skills and abilities. Education is converted to experience. Psychology graduates can be used for any field. GS13-15 has no educational requirements. The higher you go up in grade, the more skills you acquire.

You must have a resume to get into these different programs. Did you know that as far as page limit goes for a private sector resume it is quite different with a federal resume? Private sector resumes are 2 pages or if a student at ASU minimum of one page. Federal resumes, has no page limit. It can be as long as it needs to be in order to show your skills. Interviews are not to see if you qualify, but to see if you fit the team that needs interns. They want the best person for the best fit. Managers don’t want to supervise. They want to lead. Mr. Robinson talked about obtaining security clearance, military, spouses and children.

We went to www.usa.gov web site to see how the page was laid out. You will have to register of course, but once you upload your application packet, you’re free to surf. The internship program they have is for 2 years. When you finish the internship you will be a GS11. If you are accepted to an internship the federal government will pay for you to move to the place of the internship. They will also pay up to $10,000 a year for every 3 years that you stay with the federal government for loans that you have acquired while in school. A background check must always be done. Mr. Robinson also said that if you’re applying for a job/internship that requires security clearance and you’ve file bankrupt, it’s a dismissal. It cost the federal government $19,000 and 2 1/2 years to get a top clearance for an individual. Misdemeanors will not eliminate you from the program. A felony might depending on what it is for.

What did I tell you, it’s so much information that I couldn’t write down all 13 pages that I had written. Before I go though, let me tell you about the benefits, because benefits make the world go around. There are many benefits working for the federal government. There are 10 paid holidays, nine national and one federal. There are alternative work schedules. Example, You would work eight days, nine hours a day. On the ninth day you get off from work at 3:30.  Flex time. You would come to work between the hours of 6 AM- 8 PM. You work eight hours and go home. The government pays 70% of you health insurance. Sick leave has no limit. You would have a federal savings account (if you choose) that you can deposit money into. There was so much stuff that you had be there to soak it up. I am so glad that I didn’t miss this opportunity. Thank you to the Career Center for always putting students first. Last but not least, thank you to the guess speaker Mr. Keith J. Robinson for all of the outstanding information.

I met with the Black Student Union (BSU) from ASU (pictured in the last three pictures) so that we could walk together as an organization against breast cancer. The last event in BSU week was the Miracle Mile Walk.  Before the walk began, I walked around taking pictures and talking to everyone that I could. I met Mrs. Douser in the first picture, who is a three time cancer survivor. Mr. Douser, is a colon cancer survivor. They will celebrate their 30 year anniversary this week. Cancer has touched my immediate family. I had a dear cousin to lose her battle with cancer in 2011. It was a painful ordeal seeing her suffer. I’ve known women, men and children that have had and are now battling the disease. By now, I hope everyone knows how important early detection is. If you don’t, let me say, early detection is important. Remind your sisters, mothers, grandmothers and friends to check themselves. My mother and I use the the buddy check six and it’s very helpful to remind each other.

The Miracle Mile Walk was one of the most important events that I have taken part in this year. I hope to be a part of the walk next year. I was grateful to be in the mist of such brave women, as well as their families.

I’ve decided that I will let the pictures tell the rest of the stories. Please pay attention to the badges that the survivors are wearing and any other symbol that represents a fighter. Thank you to all of you who smiled for the whole world. God Bless you.

The day ended with SafeHomes Annual Survivor’s Walk. The walk honored those who survived abusive relationships. A candle lit walk was held on ASU campus. Survivors gave their testimonies as to what they had gone through and survived.