A seat at the table.

Exactly a week ago, On May 4, 2018 one of my many dreams came true by being a KEY SPEAKER at Columbia University. I repeat a KEY SPEAKER at one of the best colleges around the world, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY for a segment called " A seat at the table" where I would share my journey as being a writer and becoming an author. This year I made a promise to myself especially after reading Shonda Rhimes book ""The year of YES", I made a promise that no matter what I will not make excuses and say "Yes" to every opportunity that comes my way. I have daily conversation with God about where I want to be, my purpose as well as asking him for  guidance when it comes to making my goals a reality. Lately I've been talking to him more than ever and each and every time I ask him to show me a sign, he does which reminds me to keep on going and to never give up because my time will come when it's suppose to. I have realized that everything in life happens on God's plan and not when you want it to happen.

When my friend Howie texted me a few weeks ago asking me what I was doing on May 4th, I honestly thought it was for us to hang out. I never expected him to ask me to be a key speaker at an event he was putting together for Columbia University Journalism along side his team NABJ ( National association of Black Journalists). I was elated and I told him right away " YES", I wasn't going to make any excuses despite the fact I haven't done any speaking engagements in over a year and a half. I knew right there and then when he asked me, it was another sign from God reassuring me to KEEP ON GOING. I was nervous and thought of a million ways on how to deliver my speech but truth is BEING MYSELF is the only way I can say it how it is while giving my all.

                                                                      ( Howie & I ) 

I didn't have anything written down, I just kept reminding myself that " YOU GOT THIS". On my way to Columbia University, time wasn't on my side. I was praying that I made it and I knew I would even if I was going to be late. From a car accident on the way there to traffic, I made it on the grounds of Columbia and walking into the Journalism building. Within a few seconds after walking into the room where the event was being held, Howie introduced me and I was like the time is now. I was nervous but than I remember that " I got this" and to give it my all. One thing is for sure, this is MY PASSION, MY PURPOSE and I Know God got my back so I gave it my all and I left everyone that was in that room inspired. 

From what inspired me to be a writer, how I became a writer and an author, my highs and lows, I poured my heart and I was myself which is exactly what I wanted and wanted everyone to see, hear and feel. Being a key speaker at Columbia University was honestly a dream come true and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Being there inspired me more and made me realize that being a public speaker and sharing my story is something I want to do more of in the near future. Despite what I may go through, I know there is some type of story that I can share to inspire others and to say "YES' to anything amazing that comes my way because I know that it's God working.

Believe in yourself enough to go for everything that you dream of and never doubt yourself for anything that you believe in. You have to go for it if you want it to be yours and give it your all. Columbia showed me that even if I wasn't going to be a graduate from there but I was part of an amazing event that gave me an opportunity to share my story and that to me felt like I received a degree from Columbia. Never underestimate yourself and chase what your heart desires always. Always remind yourself that "YOU GOT THIS".


                                            A Confident Love From Me to You
                                                            xoxo, Yanika