Pass it On

So today, I am blessed and honored to be in Washington DC, representing my college, Forsyth Tech Community College of Winston Salem, NC.  Anytime people invest in you, you should take that seriously, and reward their vision and thoughtful consideration with the utmost sense of appreciation.  It really is humbling to think just a couple of years ago, the moment I got off a bus in this town, and today I have the opportunity to experience this.

Lately, I have not written as much as I normally would.  Obviously, there are many things going on in my life, which is no different than anyone else.  Life truly does fly by us.  However, today I wanted to take time to write particularly.

Why?

I always want to encourage people to pursue their goals, dreams, desires, and aspirations.  Education is not the cure all for everything in life.  Life happens, and we can't always get everything in order or even have the time to pursue many things.  That being said, if you have the chance to educate yourself, no matter the level -- from HS Diploma, G.E.D., Certificate or Certification, 2-Year Degree, 4-Year Degree, or higher, do it.  My father was an architect of sort.  He built structures, and I know I saw him roofing, and building large garages affixed to residential homes.  I never knew the man really.  I saw him a few times in life.

His knowledge, which would have been instruction to me, might have change my life.  The passing of knowledge from the father to the son was a part of life in ancient culture.  I am black American, and most people will understand that having a trade was critical to family success down through the centuries, especially in the 1700's to mid 1900's.  That education was not given to me.  Life happened.  Now, so to speak that generational damage can be fixed by me learning and passing it on to the Next generation.  My path is not just my path, but their path.

Being at this Joint Legislative Agenda for the 116th Congress, is a reminder of the responsibility to use what I have been given for good.  The bible says the "good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children."  Do you see the foresight involved in that.  Moreover, leaving the world in a better place because you were here is commendable.  An inheritance is more than wealth, property, and the like.  It is the work ethic, moral values, character, instruction, education and more.  The transfer of knowledge and wisdom should be the norm from generation to generation.  However, for those of us who grow up in economically disadvantaged situations, the knowledge that is passed on can be more harmful than good in many cases.

Thus, on days like this, I have an appreciation for the honor that my school administration has bestowed upon me.  I am a link to a brighter day for many people, and I understand the weight of that statement.  

In closing, realize that your life is so peculiarly unique and so many lives are depending on your amazing touch.  Learn in life, and dispense that gift to others, as you develop and nurture yourself to the best version of you, that you can offer to this world.