Your Network is your Net Worth!

3/25/2018

At yesterday's NHAA Atlanta meeting, I was placed on the meeting agenda to speak about my #IPledgeHope campaign and to explain what I am up to with Frontier Projects and LIFLIM!

As I began to speak, I felt confident and honored, but of course, my emotions came over me and I began to cry (just a little) as I spoke. I was explaining how beautiful the people of Haiti are and how meaningful my work will be.

I took a moment to explain my partnership with Rockland County Haiti Relief and everything was going well. I felt as if I had solidly stated my point, my desire and my need for assistance in accomplishing my very important goal.

Suddenly, a group of alumni entered the meeting and headed to the back. They were listening intently and as I started answering questions, one man in the back raised his hand and asked the most basic of questions...

"What exactly are you doing," he asked, "What is your time line, what is your final goal, and what do you have now?"

I responded, "I'm moving to Haiti to teach ESL. I am looking to raise $7,000. I am leaving in July and would like to have all monies collected by the time I get on the plane..." I started. As I looked down at my feet, I was anxious about answering the final question because the number was quite low, BUT, I am thorough and had an exact number in my head. I looked up and responded, "To date, I have raised $328.85." Applause went up around the room, despite my embarrassed look.

The gentleman in the back proceeded with "we would like to help." He explained a grant opportunity with his company that could potentially donate up to $3,000. My mouth dropped, but he wasn't done. "On behalf of *inserts chapter* of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, we would like to donate $100 to your cause."

As everybody applauded, I smiled and began to cry (for real this time)! "Thank you so much!" Before I could gather my thoughts, people were standing up and donating on behalf of this group, that group, this family, this generation, that graduating class, etc. I could not contain my emotions at that point. I was overwhelmed at the group of people trying to come up with $1,000. When we reached $1,225, I thought we were done, but the love and support kept coming.

$1,700. $2,200. $2,800... We reached a grand total of $3,225. I laughed. I cried. I hugged. I prayed. I smiled. I cried some more.

I cannot say thank you enough for all that my alumni organization has done. Hampton University provided me with the best and worst moments of my life, but I cannot neglect the fact that my life has been forever changed thanks to the people that I met and the connections that I made during my time at Hampton. And since I've graduated, that network has grown and supported me in ways that I could have never imagined. I am blessed and appreciative.