Summer reflection

It's been an entire summer since my last entry, and there's so many things that have happened to me in my life. I completed my summer internship at Duke University in Durham NC. For many reasons, it was an experience to remember, but for many more, it's one I want to forget. I survived so many incidents of indirect racism, being mistreated, and disrespected, and being treated with absolutely no dignity. I've been accused of commiting crimes that later it was found that I infact did not commit, and to this day, no apology was given for such actions. Yet, I do not wish for a half hearted aplogy, because that could never undo the pain, that has been inflicted upon me. I've already walked away with all the pieces of my life together, and a spirit that cannot be broken. Through all of this turmoil, I stand tall, and I remain a stable, black woman. I learned so many things about myself, and how I handle situations that make me uncomfortable. Needless to say, the experiences that I, as an African American woman stand to face for many years to come. Through the rough times, I will never forget the many people who helped keep me sane. I have so much respect for the people that were truely God sent, especially my two co-interns, Haja and Yolanda, who stuck by my side, when I didn't know what to do. People often called us the three musketeers, or the three amigos, but I call them my sisters!

During my summer, I knew God was looking out for me, because he sent me Ms Anne Jones, Ms Claire Hyman, and Ms DonnaMarie. All of these woman have influenced me in ways that they will never understand. They struggled and faught through heartships that I could not have even imagined. As I sat at the dinner table surrounded by such strong, intelligent, black women, I realized the strength and power I had inside of me. I learned more vital information from listening to every word that came out of their mouth than I ever could have ever learned in a workshop on poster presentations. They gave me the tools I needed to survive in a world where no one really cares about me. Words alone could not truely express how I feel about what they did for me. It's because of them, I conquered evil. A generic 'Thank you' would truely not be enough, but will have to suffice.

Not only did I survive my summer experience, but I also learned many things about myself. As I sit here on my bed, I realize that in order for my life to be complete, it must be 85% work, and 15% liesure. As much as I hate to work, I've realize that there's so much more of me that really loves it. It keeps me busy, and removes me from every situation that I otherwise try to avoid anyways. When I'm working, I'm too tired to worry about anything other than my work, and that's what keeps me content. As a 20 year old, I'm not sure how normal this is, but I remember always being a perfectionist, and since my work is something that I have complete control over, I feel most comfortable making it into exactly what I want it to be.

How could anyone be the same after seeing and experiening the things that I witnessed in such a short time. So through everything, I can truely and honestly say, that I am a changed person.