Just Keep Going, You're Closer Than You Think

By Jovanah Graham

Dedicated to be inspiring to all walks of life, anywhere from around the world. Encouraging all to just keep going and remind you that through all things, you are still capable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483579238

Book preview

capable.

PROLOGUE

You will not graduate Jovanah, you will not graduate …

–Anonymous

It was 6:08 a.m., and, as usual, I was awakened by the natural alarm clock that usually goes off in my head about this time every morning. I honestly could not believe it. The day had finally come, bringing with it waves of excitement. I continued to lie in bed, electric streams passing through me; it felt as though I was in a dream. I was so overwhelmed with emotions that I could not quite figure out how I was feeling—today, I was becoming an alumna of the illustrious Winston-Salem State University.

Still lying in bed, I briefly reminisced about my entire college experience. I wanted to savor these last moments of being a student athlete, a college girl, and living in a dorm, unbothered by society’s demands of conquering the world … THIS WAS IT! I had done it! I had completed a major milestone in my life, and it all happened so suddenly—within the blink of an eye. I now understood the significance of the frequently used phrase that I used to casually brush aside: Enjoy your college days. There is nothing like the experience. Now, I was actually living that moment—an ending to this chapter of my life but an exhilarating new beginning to the next one. What was next? The possibilities were endless—as were my feelings. With these thoughts racing through my mind, I began prepping for one of the most beautiful, life-changing days of my life. Not only was I graduating but I was also being granted the opportunity to personally meet and greet the legend himself, Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., better known as Common, before the commencement of the ceremony. Those who are not familiar with who this legend is, Common is an American hip-hop recording artist, actor, and poet from Chicago, Illinois. His first Grammy Award was in 2003, winning Best R&B Song for Love of My Life, with Erykah Badu. He received his second Grammy Award in 2008, winning Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for Southside, featuring Kanye West. Common also won the 2015 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for Glory, which featured in the 2014 film, Selma, He co-starred in it as a 1960’s Civil Rights leader, James Bevel. Common’s acting career also includes significant roles in films such as Smokin’ Aces, Street Kings, American Gangster, and Just Wright, which he co-starred in with Queen Latifah. This is just a brief description of Common’s lifelong accomplishments. A lot of his accolades and recognition have come from the black community and the dynamic impact he has made for simply being an inspiration through his uplifting lyrics and works of art—for being a living icon.

It was now 8:30 a.m. My hair was done up and pinned to perfection, and my cap and gown were pressed quite impressively. I had all my sashes lined up accordingly around my neck just as I wanted them, and then I headed over to Bowman Gray Stadium to meet Common.

As I began walking over, I saw the assemblage of cars, families, and friends beginning to fill the seats over at the stadium. I could feel the elation of the graduates as they readied themselves for the ceremony. Tears began to make their way down my face, for I really cannot explain the moment. The moment was beautifully breathtaking—standing there, witnessing the different levels of excitement, and the collection of such great accomplishments coming together to celebrate achievement and success. AMAZING! I was really a Ram!

Can the students who will be having the meet-and-greet with Common, please report here?

My heart jumped, because one of those students was me. I could not believe it. About twelve of us were granted this wonderful opportunity, including our 2014–15 Miss Winston-Salem State University, Leah Darby; president of External Affairs, Kenny Brown; individuals of the Senior Class Council; and other profound campus leaders. It was a room full of black excellence. We waited with increasing anticipation, conversing with our newly elected Chancellor, Dr. Elwood Robinson, and other administrative staff. Moments later, Common approached us with a warm welcome and it almost felt like he was family, with his down-to-earth spirit and genuine smile. He eventually asked us to introduce ourselves and mention what our next steps would be, in terms of our goals and aspirations. Some of the answers of my fellow graduates gave were charming and admirable such as their motives for continuing education through graduate and law school; the idea of starting non-profit organizations; and beginning community outreach programs. It was beautiful.

In this