"You're kidding me right?"
"No, I like it. It's fun."
"You're good at math. Be an engineer."
"I don't want to..."
"Don't be an idiot."
So began my destiny on a rainy night in a Renton, WA at a dining room table, talking to my little brother. Years later I'm still facing my hardest struggle yet: the idiot I've kept hidden within me is trying to find the light of day.
I am an undergrad at the University of Washington. A BS in Materials Science and Engineering is one quarter from completion. I dedicated my education to STEM courses. I researched ceramic materials for a clean water project.
I want to be a leader of social change. I want to study international development and human rights. I want to talk to individuals of a community. I want to write a book about them someday. I want to explore unconventional activism.
I need to speak up. I need to act with conviction. I need to love myself.
I love this page. Everything on it is beautiful. =)
ReplyDeleteYou've always been a leader. I knew it when you were 3-4 years old, marching around at a party with all the other little kids marching behind you. Flash forward to 2012 and now you need to speak up...about what and to whom? Remember the basics of communication. You need to act with conviction. There are different levels and types of conviction. Don't ever let me see you stand in front of a bulldozer, especially if the person driving doesn't care who you are or even worse, hates your conviction. Pick your battles and remember to keep in mind, that your final goal is to win the war. You need to love yourself, if for no other reason, than to make all of the people that love you ... BTW, mean and negative people suck, so stay away from their suction!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, it's interesting to see that life-long perspective of Donelyn.
ReplyDeleteI've only known her for a tad bit over three years, but even in those years it's clear that she was made to lead; guess she was born that way. Knowing her that long, I'm guessing you're related to her. Am I right?!
Dee,
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing young woman. Never doubt it, keep on cookin' - you are awesome! I have a silly little portfolio on the burner, and it definitely will take a back burner to your creativity. Wow. I do not say that lightly. Thank you for your example and great ideas (UW does not know what it spawned. Too bad all the political b s got in the way of your group engineering project for porous parking surfaces.) Remember, you are an amazing woman -- don't ever let your history be erased.