Reflections on my HU Graduate School Experience

Inscribed on a plaque in my teenage room were the words of a poem: “It’s not enough to have a dream unless you are willing to pursue it…”

Today , many years removed from that room, I know not where the plaque maybe, but I know where the inscription is. It is right here, in my heart,

and in the hearts of all those who ever pursued a dream . Graduate Studies required a sacrifice. No one gets a degree that does not involve a personal cost, even if their educational expenses are paid with scholarships. For me I recall the sacrifices of my mother, who didn’t live to see this fulfillment, but she knew her children could achieve anything they set their minds to. She didn’t have much money to leave behind, but she left us an immeasurable gift of faith.                               This gift has sustained us, and this month, my brother represented her at my graduation from Howard University, and in a few days, I will be representing her at his graduation from Oakwood University. My Graduate Studies also included the sacrifice of many other loved ones close to me for which I am truly grateful.

For all the calls that I didn’t return, all the text messages and friend requests that I seemingly ignored, please forgive me. I was in pursuit of a dream, and I wanted to be there, in my cap and gown, rain or shine, on May 12^th and 14^th, 2011; knowing that I would have all summer to call, text, tweet, visit, go shopping, and even go to the beach! Whatever you are willing to pay for my dear friends and family, to affirm your love and support for me, I am now available to engage in it.

  Many of you, my family members, church family, and friends, understood the sacrifices I was making and joined me by making sacrifices of your own. You may have prepared or purchased meals for me, just to make sure I took some time to eat; maybe you paid for or did my laundry, just to ensure that I had clean clothes to wear. Maybe you heard my cries about the DC parking meters and sent me the money to pay for those parking tickets; just to keep my spirits up and to remind me that I am not making this sacrifice alone. Maybe you prayed for me, interceded for my safety and sanity, or spoke an encouraging word in my ear; I thank God for you.

I must also acknowledge the sacrifices of my professors, mentors, advisors, colleagues

                        

and many supporting staff members of the HU, WAU, and AU learning communities. I was often amazed at the date stamp on some of the emails I received. It seemed like they too knew what it meant to operate on a 24 hour clock, with very little time to sleep. I acknowledge the sacrifices you made for me; and today, I say thank you.

Thank you for inspiring me with your pearls of wisdom. The price tag was not cheap; I will not forget. 

As I reflect on this journey, and how it got started, I think back to one of my favorite movies: Akeelah and the Bee. It inspired me when I first wrote my statement of purpose for Graduate School in the spring of 2007, and it continues to inspire me as I contemplate the next dream I should pursue.

Allow me to share with you the words on the plaque in Dr. Larabee’s office, which Akeelah was asked to read. It was a quotation from Marianne Williamson’s A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. 

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.” 

Thank you all for being there for me and for showering me with your love and support throughout this journey.

With deepest gratitude,

Desrene L. Vernon, Ph.D.

Howard University,

Class of 2011.