Lada: this is part 2 of 2 collective interviews I did with some phenomenal women. I met them while in college and have been so blessed to know each of them. They have motivated me beyond measure and I am so proud of their most recent accomplishment: graduating with their bachelor's degree. Ive had the pleasure of watching them grow from their freshmen year and beyond and know that their experiences can help motivate others. Congrats ladies and thank you for agreeing to do the interview!

Kayla Burt

What does self care look like to you and why is it important?

Self care looks different for everyone because everyone is different. I don't think it would be fair for me to put the label of self care into one box. We are humans, so we grow and change almost everyday. It seems like whenever you really start to get to know yourself, you meet new people and/or have new experiences that shape who you are.

I know that I am an outgoing introvert. It may seem like a contradiction, but it is true. I love meeting new people and getting to know them, but I also really need time to relax and recharge. I spend a lot of time alone taking walks, listening to some of my favorite music, or playing golf. I also like to reflect at night before I go to bed. During this time, I think about all of the good things that happened to me that day, and all of the awesome people that I encountered. I make sure to focus on the good things before bed because I do not like to go to bed with a negative attitude. Every day is a new day, so what ever happened to me the day before, I do not like to carry it with me into the next day. Another part of self care is being realistic. I know that everything is not going to go my way 100% of the time. To be honest, the world does not revolve around me, and I know that my worst day could be someone else's best day. With this in mind, it is a lot easier to pick yourself up and dust yourself off when you get knocked down.

I have also noticed that people usually only think of taking time for themselves when it comes to self love, but I have actually found great joy in helping others too. Sometimes it may seem easier to just sit at home and watch Netflix (don't get me wrong. There is a time and place for that as well), but you do not realize how beneficial it is to step outside of your comfort zone. It is in these moments when you realize how strong and intelligent you really are. I'm sure we have all had those moments in sports, in the classroom, in careers, etc. when we have worked long and hard and had great success. I think that is also part of self care.

The last part of self care is physical. I make sure to exercise regularly. Everyone may not have the means or the transportation to get into a gym and lift weights, but you can definitely take a walk to clear your mind. I can't tell you how much of a work out I have gotten from just dancing like crazy lady with all of my friends. Many people don't realize how important physical health is until it is often too late.

I guess my point with all of this is to do the small things that you love and something great will come from it. Love yourself, but DEFINITELY love others too. We all need each other!

Amari Pollard

Are you ready to graduate? Describe your apprehension or confidence to be able to do so.

I'm ready for graduation and I'm not at the same time. Graduation still seems like a faraway notion to me rather than a reality. I think if I knew what I was going to do after graduation my anxieties about leaving Le Moyne wouldn't be as intense or as constant. But, even if I had a job lined up I would still be nervous about graduating because I've been in school my whole life. Now, I have to truly grow up and take on those adult roles of working a 9 to 5 job, paying bills, etc. It's a lot to take on, especially when I'm not sure I'm mentally prepared for this next phase. College definitely wasn't the best four years of my life, but it did give me a lot of joy and bring some incredible people into my life. It makes me sad to think that we can't have those same relationships because that's what happens when you grow up and move away. Relationships change, but I will make sure to keep the bonds I have made at Le Moyne close to me

Jazmin Moses

"an open letter about letting go"...

I'm at a point in my life where I can't afford to drag extra things around. If it's meant to be, it will be. If not, this is the end. I've had to let go of a 5-year relationship with someone who I thought would never leave my side. I might even be preparing to be a single parent very soon because I refuse to let anyone or anything bring me down.

I know there are so many times when we’re scared of letting go because we get too comfortable, but getting too comfortable is never a good thing. Even as you get older, you shouldn’t let anything stop you from being the greatest you. It hurts, I know, and I really wish I could say that it doesn't, but it hurts like hell. Remember, people will always shame you for whatever decision you make. Ignore them. This is your life, not theirs.

read the rest at

http://thedolphinlmc.com/opinion/2017/04/27/an-open-letter-about-letting-go/

Darilyn Averett

Is there anything about you (gender, ethnicity, creed, etc) that has helped to inspire you along your journey in college?

To inspire me along my journey in college, I think the most important thing that helped me was my attitudes towards myself. When first going to Le Moyne, I knew what I wanted to do and that's it, I didn't consider other options or even if what I was studying was the right fit for me. Then came my sophomore year. Sophomore year I decided to make a big change in my program of study, I became a double major in sociology and philosophy. This was a big change for me because I am the type of person who sets goals for themselves and goes with the plan, I try my best to not stray away from it. I knew that philosophy opened me to a new way of thinking that wasn't just theories, which is what I got from sociology, and that's what I liked. But, I was scared. I declared the second major late, and when I went to these philosophy classes I felt everyone spoke a different language and knew what the professor was talking about, then there was me, silent and waiting for class to be over. It took talking to my philosophy advisor for me to realize that I am just as smart with opinions of my own that shouldn't be kept to myself. I learned that I doubt myself way more than I should. I am capable of anything I set my mind to whether it be completing school with my double major or applying to both grad and law schools. I trust myself and my abilities more then I did when I had first entered into Le Moyne. Now, I am in the process of looking up and applying to both graduate schools and law schools. These are my first steps to becoming a family court lawyer and eventually a judge.I also learned that it is okay to be selfish at times. During my first and second year of college I made a lot of sacrifices for people that are not even in my life now or don't look to help me when I need it. I was constantly helping people or doing things for people and sometimes didn't get a thank you. Stretching your neck out for people who aren't going to help you when you need it just leaves you disappointed at the end of the day. Saying no to people, not answering the phone every time someone calls, and taking time to yourself isn't selfish at all. It's good to focus on yourself and take care of you first. Doubting yourself and putting others before yourself constantly doesn't lead you anywhere you want to be, so take time for yourself and know you can do anything.

Sarah Harmatuk

What are some difficulties you've faced in pursuit of becoming a teacher and how have you overcome it thus far?

The biggest difficulty I have faced in pursuit of becoming a teacher is trying to find out the type of teacher I wanted to be. By that I mean did I want to be an inspirational teacher or one who played by the book. This was hard because I knew the audience I wanted to reach, you African American children in the urban inner city. I have never had an African American teacher so I've never had that educator in a classroom setting to inspire me or show me that success what possible. That's what I want to be in a teacher and I didn't know how to do that until I student taught at Ed Smith elementary in Syracuse. My young female students really looked up to me and made me feel as though I was giving them more than just a textbook education. I felt as though I was teaching them how to hold themselves and how to grow as young respectable women. I didn't know I was capable of doing that and I'm proud of it. Other difficulties have been the job search because a lot of the districts I have applied to are suburban and I fear not being welcomed there. Also, trying to pass these teaching exams but so far I have passed two and am extremely proud of my efforts to study hard and succeed.

Lada: Thank you all so much!