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Writer's pictureMarkia Butler

Graduation is Step One


"Dont ask what they want to be when they grow up, ask what problems do they want to solve. This changes the conversation from who do I want to work for, to what do I need to learn to be able to do that." - Jaime Casap, Google Global Education Evangelist.

Graduation for me was obtaining a diploma but for you it could be any obstacle achieved and now you are back at ground zero.

When graduating from Florida A&M University, a weight lifted off my shoulders only for a new weight to emerge.

We are totally in a new era of life and the story is the same just a different day. There are thousands of graduates each year entering into the job market to do their part to improve our society. We have hopes, dreams, and goals and fortunately having a degree sets you apart but unfortunately, you are still competing with the thousands who are seeking the same jobs and career opportunities.

In reality, there are people who are jobless that have the ability to create a job, if they connect with others and grow together like many successful people we see today. I believe there should be an entrepreneurial class required in Universities and Colleges and even a part of the economics course in grade school. Knowing how our economy works and being able to actually revise and make improvements on a logistic level are two different things.

This post is to make you think. In the photo below, I crossed the stage (rights of passage) and obtained my Bachelors in Broadcasting Journalism minoring in the Performing Arts.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Lambert

Today, I’m a writer and teacher of art, science and dance while working to become a full time actress, dancer, model and anchor/host.

I shared this to say I have no idea when my degree will be a part of my journey. I have an understanding that my work is not in vain. During my studies in college for Journalism. I mostly produced my own hard news show (showing that I am a great decision maker) and I anchored from time to time (showing I have the voice and the look). I wrote hard news and squeezed in entertainment news when professors allowed. I am qualified to work in a newsroom but my heart said otherwise. But radio that is me all day. I was an on air Gospel personality for about 2 years. Throughout my life, outside of my academic career, my family had me in dance classes, art classes, theater courses, and volunteering weekly. They knew it was hard for me to sit down and they knew there was something about me that spoke "Leadershiip". There is always the one child, that one sibling, or one friend that sticks out like a light in a dark room. I was called Black sheep, Goodie two shoes, and much more; completely my story in which I embrace: that part of my life daily. I live on my terms and no one else's.

I have gravitated to the artist world and so proud of my choices and bravery. I am truly thankful for this journey. Has it been easy? No! Has it been worth it? Yes! We all are born with purpose and to make an impact through the challenges. We are to question, deliberate, and produce.

It is now 2016, coming to 5 years after graduation. Do we put a time limit on accomplishments? Do we sit around and wait for things to come to us? Do we allow time to pass without intervening? The answers are the same for each question, "no thank you".

I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far. I am focused. I aim to succeed and to always believe that I can and will be great. To whom much is given, much is required. If you see someone walking in greatness, ask him or her for his or her story because it came at a cost. Lift each other up, pray for each other, and be a shoulder to lean on. It takes a village, we are all in this together. Go be Great!

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