Feature #106: Monique Ogunsusi, Graduating Valedictorian

Name: Monique K. Ogunsusi (Monica Ogunsusi's Twin)

Position: Graduating Valedictorian (High School)

Special skills:

 I taught myself how to play the guitar when I was thirteen, and it is by far my favorite pastime. I also like brain exercises like the Rubik’s cube. Over the past summer I taught myself how to solve the 2x2x2 cube all the way to 5x5x5 cube. I also am very good at reciting math material in large quantities like powers, trigonometric identities, and even unrelated numerical sequences.

Describe your personalities:

I am a very “chilled” and relaxed person. There isn’t much that can upset me, meaning I’m almost always in a great mood! I love to help people and my peers value my advice and opinion because of its sincerity. I’m a firm believer that a man is only as good as his word, and I live my life as honestly as I am able to. But, I am also a very strange person. I pride myself in being odd. It’s different and unconventional, but it allows fun in my lifestyle.

What did you want to be as a child?

When I was younger I was very good with my hands, and I would start small renovation projects around my house. I was known as the mini mechanic. So I thought that I wanted to be a mechanical engineer who would build really cool gadgets for the CIA or the FBI or something. My biggest dream as a child was to build flying cars… I actually still have that dream. My original plan as a child has not deviated much, but it is no longer the same.

Are you in school?

Yes, I am currently dual enrolled into Middle Georgia State college as well as Mundys Mill High School.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

Still in school! I will be completing my master’s program, hopefully abroad. I have planned to put my BS degree in Chemical engineering into practice in a foreign country as I try and obtain my Master’s degree. Ideally in France, China, or somewhere in Latin America.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

Yes and No. Yes, I am happy that I have accomplished more than I would have ever thought I was capable of achieving less than two years ago. No, because I always feel like there is more that I could be doing, and if I am satisfied with the accomplishments that I have achieved now I won’t be to able reach my full potential.

What more do you want to do with your life? 

I want to give back more. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been raised in a privileged society where many things are handed to me, but that’s not the case for many kids in other parts of the world. The wealth in the world is not evenly distributed as it should be, and I’d like to change that. Through philanthropy and volunteering, I’d like to stop the suffering felt by families across the globe.

What drives/motivates you? 

My passion drives me to succeed. When you enjoy doing something you don’t need much motivation. I enjoy my field of study, and that allows me to continue excelling in it. But, my family is also another motivator in my life. They push me outside my area of interest so that I can experience different fields that I could potentially be proficient in.

What else do you do?

 I’m involved with many clubs and organizations, but the one that I’m most proud of is Student Government. Being a senator for SGA is almost like being an actual senator. The students rely on SGA to voice their opinions for them in order to make change on campus.

I also like to research outside of the required assignments given by my instructors. I am a part of a research team that is building a photo bioreactor that will allow us to collect algae. Once the alga is obtained we will then convert that into biodiesel that will power the greenhouse on campus. This is the kind of project that I find interesting, and what I choose to spend my free time doing.

What is your advice to those who have big dreams and aspirations?

Hard work is the only way to success; there is no other way around it. If you truly have a passion for something the only thing that can stop you is yourself, so believe in yourself and others will follow. Lastly, through God all things are possible, so have faith that if it is meant to be it shall come to pass.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
What do you do to uplift the people in your community?

I’ve been getting in touch with my old middle school in hopes of being able to talk to the older kids about their future. I’d like to show them that no matter where they come from, they can compete in the real world and that they have just as much chance to succeed as any other kid in America.

I also teach the appreciation of music through the learning of instruments. I give free guitar lessons to anyone that is interested in broadening their musical horizons. Music changes the atmosphere of wherever it is present, and that is why I think it’s important that it is taught.

How long have you been involved with engaging those in your community?

Since I started high school I have been active in my community. Had I known how rewarding it felt I would’ve started it sooner!

What do you want your peers to learn about getting involved with the community?

That being involved isn’t a punishment, but rather a way for you to pay forward your gratitude towards those who have paved the road for you. Giving back is really rewarding, and once you begin you’ll find out that it’s actually quite fun.

Are you working on any upcoming community projects?

Yes! Student government is hosting our very first annual color run 5k. This color run will raise money for the school system surrounding the college. This is by far the most demanding service project that I have been a part of, but I know that the reward for the community will amount for the effort we’ve put in.

How can we get involved?

Some people think getting involved means that you have to go to a homeless shelter every day and work 20 hour shifts, when it’s not. Yes, some people decide to give back like that, but that’s not the only way. There are small ways of giving back that also benefit the community. Volunteering to help the elderly in your own neighborhood, cleaning the surrounding areas of your school and neighborhood, or even just helping out around your school or church are small ways of giving back. There is no set guideline for volunteering, but as long as you are helping make someone else’s life easier you are doing your job.

Feature #105: Monica Ogunsusi, Graduating Senior

Name: Monica T. Ogunsusi (Monique Ogunsusi's Twin) 

Position: Graduating Senior (High School)

Special skills: Good soccer player and swimmer. Good at analyzing situations.

Describe your personalities: Analytical, determined, curious, honest, open-minded, and kind. These are words I would use to describe myself. My analytical, open-minded, and kind characteristics are some that I use out of school to help me relate and understand myself, my surroundings, and other people. My determined and curious characteristics help me to excel in my academics and keeps learning fun and new. I use honesty inside and outside of school. I see this characteristic as one of the most important, because without honesty there is no trust, and when people can’t trust you, you can’t form real relationships. I believe relationships are important, and that is why honesty is my most cherished virtue.

What did you want to be as a child?
I actually wanted to become a Veterinarian, because I loved dogs. I eventually saw that wasn’t practical, because I would sometime have to make hard decisions that would determine an animal’s life. That would not be fun. I found what I was really interested in, which is psychology and neurology, and from there I found out I wanted to be a Psychiatrist.

Are you in school?
I am currently in school. I am dual enrolled, so I am a senior in high school and sophomore in college. I will be graduating with my high school diploma and my associates in Biology this May. I am so excited!

Are you happy with where you are in life?
I am very happy with where I am in life right now. I can see that I am currently in an important growing stage, and this make new experience and just day to day life more interesting because I know that it is all shaping who I will be in the future. Also being in college is a fun and freeing experience, so I am just soaking it all in and having loads of fun!

What more do you want to do with your life?
I don’t just want to be a regular worker that sits behind a desk and has no influence on the outside world. I want to change people’s lives! I want to discover new things in the field of neuropsychology and find cures to some of the mental diseases our population faces today.

What drives/motivates you?
My future in helping other is what motivates me the most. Schools can get hard and life can get overwhelming, but I know that it all will be worth it in the end when I can help to save a person life!

What is your advice to those who have big dreams and aspirations?
Like you have heard before… Go for it! If you never try, you will never know what you can do. Do not be afraid to take on new things. I was hesitant to attend college so early and scared at what might happen if I failed. But you must always go for it, because the most unpleasant feeling to experience is regret. Always put your heart into what is it you’re doing. If you passionate about math give it you all, and if you aren’t, still give it everything. You should want to show future employers and yourself that you are capable of doing whatever you put your effort into. I also want to add something that I feel is very important. START EARLY! If you’re interested in medicine start looking for internships involving that field or volunteer at a hospital. Look for things that will gain you experience, because you don’t want to end up in your senior year of college with no tangible knowledge gained form your experiences that help you with your future career.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
What do you do to uplift the people in your community?

Being where I am now, good grades and my desire to attain a higher education, my community is delighted to hear back from me. My middle school has never had huge success stories and struggles to get students motivated. I go back and visit my old school so that I can show that that you can excel from the position you are in. I try an motivate them by showing them that someone who used to be in the same position they were in can do great things, so they can too!

How long have you been involved with engaging those in your community?

Like I said before, start early. I didn’t have someone to give me that advice, so I didn’t see the importance of giving back. But when I started community service back in the 10^th grade (two years ago) I found it to be a lot of fun and very rewarding! Volunteering at the senior living home let me bring smiles to people faces.

What do you want your peers to learn about getting involved with the community?

It’s important to give back, because you could shape someone future. Bringing joy to someone face or helping guide someone younger than to a path  that will help them be successful are all rewarding experiences. Don’t just do it for school or for a club you’re in, but do it because you enjoy it. Always find things that are going to make you and the person your helping happy!

Are you working on any upcoming community projects?

I am not working on anything particularly, but I am always finding new way to volunteer in my community.

How can we get involved?

Go out and find something you enjoy. It could be helping little kids with their homework after school, or playing bingo with the elderly. Whatever it is, go and find it so that you can enjoy giving back while also helping those in you community!

Feature #104: Zanaida, Arts Education Coordinator

Name: Zanaida 

Current Job Position Title: Arts Education Coordinator

Company Name: International Arts Zone

Contact Information: 678-590-8858 www.internationalartszone.com

Special skills: curriculum development, arts programming and development, professional development, Accounting, event planning

Describe your job story: 

After several uncomfortable situations involving every "ism" you could imagine I decided to quit my job March 2011. That same day I began teaching a women's fitness class that ran for about 2 months. In the meantime I worked as a contractor on a few projects but wanted more. The best advice I received regarding business was to "fulfill the need." With more than two decades in the performing arts I realized there was a need for greater study in dance and more specifically African Dance. Six months after quitting my job I started my business teaching teachers. For the past three years IAZ has been the liaison between qualified teachers and avid students in an environment of rigorous study. We have have had approximately 100 participants from all around the world. By maintaining a low student teacher ratio every participant has the opportunity to enjoy an intimate educational experience and take their artistry to new heights.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 

I wanted to open a dance studio. I do not have a facility yet but I am responsible for others' learning so I am almost there. 

Are doing your dream job? Yes!

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

I like to surpass expectations. The International Arts Zone intensive is unmatched. Most people come and think they will just dance/drum for a long time but realize it is so much more. I love to see them sweat and really enjoy watching everyone's growth within a given session and over time. We are creating a cultural shift while raising the standard of excellence and professionalism one step/rhythm/song at a time. My least favorite part would be having to complete everything individually but I look forward to building my team soon. 

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I see myself in my own space, with a larger roster of teachers and students and a more diverse curriculum.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

Yes and always looking to improve.

What more do you want to do with your life? 

I want to continue working towards building a healthy family and community as well as helping others reach their greatest potential.

What drives/motivates you?

 Faith and love.

What else do you do? 

Other than IAZ I have a very small boss that runs the show and dictates my next moves. :) I am a mother and wife.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

Fulfill the need. You are capable of more than you can imagine and with piety, patience and perseverance. Anything is possible. Start now!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

What do you do to uplift the people in your community?

My most demanding position as a mother keeps me somewhat still nowadays so I do my best to share any and all information I have to those in need. I assist with making connections and do behind the scenes work. Formerly I'd be in the forefront as well but every aspect is important. 

How long have you been involved with engaging those in your community?

I've always been involved with the community because the community has always been involved

with me. Does that make sense?

What do you want the youth to learn from your leadership?

I want the youth to learn that respect and follow through are most important for success. Respecting yourself and following through on your goals will set a standard for how you deal with others and vice versa.

Are you working on any upcoming community projects?

Yes. This past intensive received such great response that we will be doing it again September 2014 and then presenting a youth intensive December 2014. 

How can we get involved? Spread the word! 

Feature #103: Shawn Deangelo Walton, Founder

Name: Shawn Deangelo Walton

 Current Job Position Title: Founder / Executive Director

Company Name: WeCycle ATL

Contact Information: wecycleATL@gmail.com

Special skills: Community Outreach, Communication, Culturally Responsive 

Describe your job story: The ideal of Wecycle Atlanta Inc. came about as I begin to become a serious commuter in Atlanta in 2005. During this time I was in Morehouse College and my friend Wendell rode to the campus on a bicycle and I thought about how convenient it would be for me to ride a bicycle to school. I had just come off of horrible experiences with buying cars that turned out to be "Lemons" and I was ready for something new. There were no places to get a bicycle in West Atlanta at the time so I picked up my first commuter bike from SOPO, a really great bicycle co-op that we get a lot of inspiration from. At the time I stayed in East Atlanta so my commute to and from Morehouse College was about 10 miles. The first week of cycling I realized 3 things immediately.

1.) That I wasn't in the best shape! The topology of Atlanta is hills on hills on hills. My commute allowed me to gauge my health and make positive adjustments to my diet. I began to take in more water, fruits, and vegetables and even gave being a vegan a shot for 3 years. I became more health conscious just by riding a bicycles. 2.) It allowed me to see the environment like I never saw it before. One can only explore the environment so much in a car. If there is something vibrant in the area that catches a car drivers eye the driver is forced to either stop traffic, do a u-turn, or come back to it at a later date, but on a bicycle one can simply stop on the curb, lock up the bike and explore. I also enjoy being exposed to the environment less a coup like structure that we experience in cars without convertible roofs. 3.) It made sense! Gas prices were soaring at that time and every other complaint about the economy had to do with the rising prices of oil/gas. Commuting via the velo (bike in french) allowed me to keep extra money in my pockets that I was saving from not having to pay for gas, a car note, insurance, or miscellaneous car expenses. Riding a bike made life financially easier for me. I ultimately wanted to share what I had learned by cycling to African Americans and low-income communities. I realized that I had found a practical and affordable solution to help people engage health, the environment, and economics in a positive way and I wanted to share that and Wecycle Atlanta became that vehicle. 

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?

When I was a child I wanted to be many things. I wanted to be a stock broker in the 5th grade for some strange reason. Towards middle school I wanted to be a Professional Baseball player. In high school I got a hold of some really great teachers who inspired me to pursue a vocation in education. Though my dream occupations varied throughout my childhood, there was always a job that was the foundation of what I wanted to be, and that was a successful father. Growing up in a single parent home exposed me to emotional hardships that came without knowing who my father was, so I made a promise to myself that no matter what I did in life it was a means to and end, and that end goal was to be a great father to my children. 

Are doing your dream job?

I can honestly say that I am. Being an entrepreneur and educator has always been to goal. I have freedom and flexibility doing things that I love and create. Wecycle Atlanta allows me to use every ounce of my creativity everyday and creating something that sustains my life and the lives of others is completely fulfilling. Everything isn't always peachy-keen but the sun is usual shining on our progress as an organization and we are thankful for that. 

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

What I like the most is hearing the youth talk about things that they learn from cycling and gardening. They understand how both can help the environment and often when they are talking among each other I hear them propel thoughts about sustainable living back and forward really opens my heart up. The least thing I like is e-mails! Its something that I have to put on my favorite jams to to make exciting. Communication is key to success in a small business, so I don't mind the tedious task of e-mails. 

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? In the next 5 years I see myself doing the same things that I am doing, but at greater levels. In 5 years Wecycle Atlanta would have established a co-op bicycle shop, and we will be running programs out of it day in and day out. I will still be heavily engaged in community affairs as well. Outside of Wecycle Atlanta I am also an elected official of the City of Atlanta's Neighborhood Planning Units. My goal is to inform community members about opportunities and engage them in communal activities at a greater rate than I already am. 

 Are you happy with where you are in life?

I'm not completely satisfied and that comes with me knowing what has to be done to get myself and Wecycle Atlanta where I want it to be. I'm content with where I am, and I find joy in every moment, but I refuse to be complacent over small victories. I still want better for myself and my community. 

What more do you want to do with your life?

I would like to take the concept of Wecycle Atlanta to Africa to partner with countries and cities to create sustainable solutions to enhance traveling and food production through cycling and agriculture. I would also like to develope Wecycle Atlanta's core principles in Health, Economics, and Environment into a state and community funded curriculum. 

What drives/motivates you?

God's grace and being given chances to great through God's great will. That motivates me. 

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

Trust in your ability to do for yourself. Make your own opportunities. God has instilled in all of us the innate ability to create and sustain. All employers and corporations know this, and it would be advantageous for anyone to know and understand as well. 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
What do you do to uplift the people in your community?

Its a mutual upliftment. I don't do anything for the community that it doesn't to for me. My community has provided a beautiful community garden in Ashview that I get to serve and organize in every saturday with community members. This garden provides me the opportunity to work with my community to provide fresh organic foods as well as engage youth in weekly bicycle rides and community service. This uplifts everyone, from the people receiving the food to neighbors sitting on porches watching a beautiful parade of black youth riding bicycles around the community. 

How long have you been involved with engaging those in your community?

I have been involved in engaging communities members at the age of 14. I was the Vice President of the Dekalb County Youth NAACP. There we would canvas communities to let them know about legislation that would effect us, as well as take trips to souther states to protest the confederate flags hanging on capitol buildings. In college I begin to help organize marches on the end of horrific incidents such as the Jena 6, Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Troy Davis, and more. These type of incidents effect the quality of life in the African American communities and it has always been on my heart to help address such matters. 

What do you want the youth to learn from your leadership?

I think they learn leadership from my leadership. I don't claim to be the most versed activist with all the solutions to help eliminate African Americans and Low-Income people in America. What I do is, well... I just do things. I do things that can be easily implemented in someones life that will help it for the better, and I do it consistently. So as the youth see me ride a bicycle and work in the garden I only hope that they do the same and teach others. From recent conversations with them I have realized that the ideas of sustainable living has reached them, and that is a seed that I pray flourished to beautify our community. 

Are you working on any upcoming community projects?

Yes! Wecycle Atlanta is currently raising fund to move into a store front in our community. This will take Wecycle Atlanta's service to the community to another level. It would put us close to various institutions to promote our principles in Work Ethics, Health, Environment, Economics, Leadership, and Sustainability. We've been working on this project for over a year now and it finally looks like its going to happen, but we will need a lot of support from people like you! 

Fasting from the SNOOZE BUTTON

I decided to FAST from the SNOOZE BUTTON.

If there is anything that I love, it is the dear and unreliable snooze button. It is sometimes hard to reach when the alarm goes off, but when I do press it, it allows me to sleep in 5-minute intervals. 15 minutes. Even 45 minutes, if I don't wanna listen to it! And sometimes, it just goes off altogether, making our relationship a love-hate one. Neverthless, me and my snooze button have a tight bond, which is why I will be letting it go for a moment.

I normally like to get up at 6:45am, but I decided to get up a little after 5:30am. I went to the restroom and went back to my bed, relaxed a bit, and got up to read my Bible. My spirit was so thirty and hungry that I didn't know whether or not to finish Psalms or restart Proverbs. I chose to reread the book of Proverbs. As I read, I highlighted more scriptures than I could count! I could barely keep myself together, as there were so many scriptures that related to me. I loved it!

Here are some goodies...

This one messed me up, but in a GOOD way...

 

 

And I love this one...

 

 

What inspiration!

 

 



Never Let a JOB Control You

I think wayyyy too many of us get caught up in needing to pay bills and take care of responsibilities that we lose track of how to enjoy life. We don't take time to look at the sky and we end up missing the sunrise and sunset because of our focus on paying rent and utilities. We begin living to eat instead of eating to live. We get caught up in MAJOR pleasures rather that MINOR pleasures. We forget what simple pleasures are, or we're just not aware of them. We lose track of time!

If you have the "rug" snatched from under your feet, will you survive? Someone I love very dearly has had the employment rug ripped from underneath her feet more than once in less than a year and both times, she has been forced to seek employment in frenzies. I dread seeing her this way, as she has bills, personal needs, and not to mention, A LITTLE DOG! She has things to do! I cannot imagine having that to happen to me.

I have gotten terminated from a job before and I felt like a free bird for the first couple weeks. But after a  while, I became stressed and felt myself get a little antsy and frantic. Why do jobs create such stress? Especially when we all come from lineages and bloodlines of people who could take care of their own families by running their own businesses. Many people today still carry on family businesses or create their own career paths, but there are many others of us who chase other people's dreams rather than our own. We are mentally depending on finding a job or employment as opposed to creating it ourselves. As a result of that mindset, we tend to feel that all is lost after that job is yanked away from us in the form of suspension, downsizing, termination, or firing. 6 words:

Never Let a JOB Control You.

You hold the keys to your destiny...somewhat. If you have issues with understanding your purpose, do what my grandmother and mother always tell me...pray about it. Don't live your life with a miserable mindset. Don't allow employment or lack thereof consume your mind. Get peace through prayer with the Lord. Talk to Him. We are all born with the innate ability to pray.

I stopped being miserable at work. I stopped stressing. If I want to exit anything, I know that I will need to plan first. If I want to do anything, I know that I need to plan first.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

– Psalm 32:8

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

- Romans 12:2

Support and Publication!

sup·port

səˈpôrt/

verb

1. 1.

   bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.

   
   

   
3. I am all about supporting others and nothing motivates me more than providing support to aspiring authors. SIDEBAR: I was recently published in The Harlem Times and have gotten two more writing gigs! It's so true that if you put positive vibes into the atmosphere that it will come back to you. I am more focused on upbuilding the Lord's kingdom and being the best that I can be.

"Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed,nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst." - Luke 17:20-21

I want to make the most of this life and I can only do it through serving others and giving love. I am learning more and more as I meet people in need that we are not placed on earth for ourselves, but for the Lord. The Lord and others. And if we give to others, we give to the Lord.

Stay focused, stay motivated, and stay encouraged.  

OH, YEAH!


I will be purchasing, reading, and reviewing my friends' books! Gave myself yet another project. I adore supporting new authors and artists. 

Makes my heart glad.