When my girls and I find a moment to connect the general consensus always seems to be “girl, I’ve been running around like a chicken with its head cut off!” Aren’t we always running? And damn if it doesn’t feel good to be occupied, active, accessible and in demand. Sometimes, that’s just the way to be.

For example, on Thursday, October 6, I attended Advertising Week, an annual advertising and marketing event gathering numerous thought leaders, innovators and associates. It is a platform for the industry to engage across media, culture and business at all-day events in various locations over the course of a week. As a representative for my company and my passion, I attended the event as a young Black marketing professional interested in leveraging the network and the knowledge at hand. My panels of choice were focused on the burgeoning of multicultural consumers and the evolution of the general market. It was invigorating to meet, hear and speak to so many passionate media professionals.  During that same day I replied to a few emails back at the office then I left to catch up with a colleague and speak at a general meeting for my women’s organization at NYU, WEST. That too, was refreshing. The conversation at hand was “Working Women”, and I felt more than honored that I was invited to speak to a group about a transition I made literally within the past six months! As the current President introduced me to the group, I realized I had not only shifted positions from student to professional, but my mindset had also changed.

Often during my last semester I prayed for God to:

1. Allow me to end on the same GPA

2. Continue guiding me in the right direction…. It worked!

Everyone wonders what the next step will be, but students ponder the consequences: I’m graduating but will I have a job? I have a degree but will I make a salary? I’m a woman, will I have equal pay? I’m studying bio will I be a doctor?!

I say of course you will. God has not placed you in such a position to squander all that is in front of you. At the age of 19 (not too long ago!), I developed this strong sensibility that if I have the tools, resources, prayers, and ability then I have what I need to pursue my desired goals. It was almost right after my first year of college I thought:  Ok, I think I have this results thing on lock.

I channeled this newfound energy to the fullest extent by attending every career fair, info session, panel and interview. I wasn’t affected by the concept of consequences because I knew I came this far, results were imperative not optional. Right after graduation, I took the reins on my weight and sleeping habits as well. Bye, bye famous frosh 15! Went HAM in the gym dancing and jogging. A rapper once said “don’t do it for the man, men never notice”. He’s right. After catching up on sleep, catching up on burned calories and really focusing on yourself holistically you’d be astonished at how content you are with who you are and what you’re doing.

Answering every concern and question the girls had, I thought about the times when I was most uncertain and understated my capability. Being occupied by work and events conjoined with being active in my community, the gym and my home has afforded me satisfaction and faith in my situation. In most cases, I do not doubt outcomes but I work to position myself for the best possible outcome. We are in charge of the results. The phrase “Actions speak louder than words” is factual. You think you can’t/won’t do something; Do it then see what happens, don’t be surprised if you do it right and achieve what you set out to accomplish.

Get in where you fit in and deep dive into your passion!