From a young age I knew what I wanted to do! I started running at 7 years old and as I got older and more serious about track I knew I could make a living doing what I was best at. However I know it’s not always that easy for people. Some have to go through years and years of school before deciding what they’re good at and what they enjoy doing. 

This was also true for my sister. When we were younger she always loved doing hair. She wasn’t sure what she would do for a living because she was a good student and everyone thought she would become a lawyer or a computer engineer. After years of school she realized that her passion for hair far outweighed anything else she tried. She went to cosmetology school and after only two years of working she is opening her own salon on MAY 13TH in Austin, Texas. I am so proud of her!!! She has been working so hard to make this dream a reality that she has inspired me to train even harder to be the best that I can be!

It’s easy to be successful when all the tools are right in front of you, but it’s a true test of character when you have to go against the grain to manifest your dream.

I meet young girls all the time that aren’t sure what they want to do and I always say, “think of what you’re good at, think of what makes you happy, and make a career of that! “ 

I’ve never seen my sister happier, I’ve never seen her more focused, more driven than she is now. It’s a good feeling when you’re doing something that you feel gives you purpose and joy and I’m just thrilled to witness it.

Other than running for Nike I have never had another job, now, in my off season, I will gladly be answering phones, selling products, and helping in anyway I can.

If you’re ever in the Austin area look her up….The Hair Clinic!!!

Good luck Sis!!!

As I sit and watch everything around tomorrow’s inauguration I am overwhelmed and inspired. I’m only 23 years old, so I know when I say I’ve never seen anything like this it is from a limited perspective, however I’ve seen Dr. Cornel West (one of my favorites), Oprah Winfrey,  Rev Jesse Jackson, and so many others share the same sentiment.

What Barack Obama has done for us all is more than a President could do on his own. He has been tremendously blessed and God has allowed him in a short period of time to rise from anonymity to a level of fame that is only realized by a few. So often people aren’t recognized for their greatness, and their contributions to society until they have passed away. I am so proud that our country was able to come together and elect the man that deserves it most!

As a young black woman I have always been so fortunate. I have always dreamed big and I never thought that it was because of my circumstances that I believed anything was possible! There are so many people that because of what they see everyday, their realities, they lack hope. Well what I feel is that President-Elect (for one more day) Obama has has restored that!I’m excited for what the future holds. I know that Obama will not be a knight in shining armor that will be able to affect change immediately but together WE CAN!!!

Until next time…..

Sanya