June 26, 2015

Concordia University
Graduate Application Essay

If I knew then what I know now I wouldve truly taken full advantage of
my undergraduate experience! I was looking for an out or an escape
plan rather, so that I was no longer under the thumb of my stepfather
and my mother. I desired to discover my own identities, author my own
journeys and explore the world independent of my parents. What I
failed to realize was that while in college I actually needed to take my
studies seriously, so that my grades would truly reflect the wonderful
experiences I had while there. Michigan State was my chance to get
away and yet I didnt have a plan in place to succeed while running
from the only life I knew.

It wasnt until I received a full time position at the Trotter Multicultural

Center (working closely with students) 5 years ago that I realized I
had wasted many amazing opportunities that my undergraduate
experience couldve and wouldve afforded me. Up to that point I had
not comprehended that although you could go back to college time
and time again; you could NEVER get back the undergraduate
experience! That very specific time in my life where I spent more of my
energy trying to detach from all the things that reminded me of home
and my strong family foundation; as opposed to, giving my best
academically, socially and embracing my upbringing.

A quote that speaks so much life to me now comes from Mark Twain
and it reads as such: The two most important days in your life are the
day you were born and the day you find out why! I can honestly say
that after many years of running from my life I now know why Ive
been placed here on this Earth. I was meant to work in Higher
Education and more specifically in Student Life. I was placed at Trotter
by divine order to live into my best self. To realize that life is full of
second chances and that you can live your life in such a way that the
tests in life turn into testimonies.

I am responsible for creating programming at the University of

Michigan that provides out of the classroom education through the lens
of Social Justice. Beyond that I am responsible for helping students
individually and collectively process intercultural development. I was
placed at Trotter not only to educate and support our students through
the aforementioned work; but have also found myself being educated
and supported as well!
I knew that I would eventually go back to school for my Masters, but I
have to say I was putting this off for the right time. What I have
learned is there is NO such thing as the right time and if I continued
to wait for it, that moment would never appear. I had to accept that I
couldnt be a part of the academy and not truly be about the academy!
It is now time to fine tune all this critical thinking and program
implementation that has somehow come to me like second nature.
What I need from Concordia is the theories that lay the foundation for
my work. This will allow me to facilitate the praxis of this social justice
work for not only our students, but my colleagues as well. By attending
Concordia University I am positioning myself to gain knowledge that is
up to date and taught by those that know this work fully! How exciting
is that? I am also applying to Concordia for its rich faith based
practices!

Growing up in a family where my grandfather was the founding Pastor

of one of the largest Black Baptist Churches in Ann Arbor means more
than words can express. I have always had a deep connection with my
Savior and I embrace the opportunity to allow for Him t to help shape
my academic journey now. My papa (grandfather) always told me to
hold onto my faith (even if it was the size of a mustard seed)! I am
going to allow that faith to help me navigate this new chapter in life. I
embrace the unknown and I no longer fear taking one step after
another, even when I dont see the entire staircase.

I hope that the Admissions Committee at Concordia University is willing

to see the focused and determined Young Professional that Ive
become and not so much focus on the irresponsible undergraduate
that I once was. I have so much to offer the students of the University
of Michigan and I know in my heart that Concordia University is going
to give me all the necessary tools to be successful in doing so.

Please accept this letter as a part of my application. I am more than

happy to address any questions, comments or concerns you all might
have about my resume and transcripts. Thank you for creating such an
amazing program that allows working professionals to pursue their
academic dreams without compromising their work and families!