Girls Living Their Dreams

It seems like forever since I updated this blog. To say I've been busy would be an understatement but I just had to write about The Real Princess Zaria's summer experience. She went back to school a couple weeks ago so she is extremely bogged down with school work. It's a good thing, though. She's a fifth grader now, but I digress.....

In August, Zaria attended two awesome events!

I was fortunate to escort her to The Girlapalooza 2011 event which featured a meet and greet with Camille Winbush 'Nessa' of The Bernie Mac Show. Camille was so humble and she shared great tips and advice with the girls. The Girlapalooza Mother-Daughter Tea was fantastic! The girls were treated to an innovative 'green' fashion show, poetry, live music performances and self-esteem building talks.


Later that month, we attended The Pretty Brown Girl Movement. A powerful launch that highlights pretty brown girls from all over the country. 12 year old, Amiya Anderson, owner of Amiya's Mobile Dance Academy, graced the girls with an original poem sharing her story of success.


Zaria was ecstatic to see girls who looked like her doing dynamic things. I think she was so inspired that she decided to attend an audition for a local play.

My wish is that all girls, young and all, would live their dreams.

What are you dreaming?

Teach Your Kids To 'Do The Amiya'

This post is prompted by an 11 -year old Detroit business owner named Amiya Alexander. While taking dance lessons, she observed that some of her friends were unable to. Their parents couldn't afford the classes and/or were unable to get to the classes. After bringing this to her mother's attention, she drafted a design of a vehicle and a plan that would allow her friends and others to enjoy convenient, affordable lessons. Amiyah had a dream and a goal. (They are different, you know). Amiya's story below:







I am encouraging all parents to set goals for themselves so their children can witness goal-setting first hand. Take this process a step further and have a dream/goal-setting session with your child(ren). On the way to school this morning, I shared with Princess Zaria that I was going to begin taking classes again in the winter to pursue my goal of higher education. We had a long talk about college(or as long as the ride to school was). She asked why I wanted to go back to college, what classes I needed to take and why I hadn't finished yet? This was the beginning of the dialogue for a teachable moment. After the conversation, I looked to my right and noticed that Zaria was in deep reflection. LOL. Imagine that!

So I asked, "Zaria, what are you thinking about?"

Zaria: Can you take two main classes in college?

Me: Yes, that is called a double major or a dual major.

Zaria: What about three?

Me: I had a friend who thought about a triple major.

Zaria: That's what I'm going to do. I'm going to major in Art, Drama and Dance.

Me: That's called a triple threat, Zaria, and I'm going to help you make that happen.

What are you imparting in your child's life? Are you helping them to set goals and realize their dreams?