Grandmothers: Wisdom, Courage, and Pride

Recently, I gave a brief talk at my Alma Mater, Wayne State University(WSU). I was the featured speaker for the Honors Convocation in the Department of Chemistry. I was truly honored to be given an opportunity to discuss my career in the chemical sciences, but more importantly how my WSU education made an impact on my career path. My take home message for the students is that I just wanted them to realize that a degree in chemistry can open so many doors. Sadly, too many young people don't realize that a career in science can be very rewarding.

I have given presentations like this in the past, but I was more nervous because my grandmother and mother were in the audience. This was the first time I had ever given a presentation while they were in attendance. Well, the talk went very well, and many students and faculty told me they enjoyed the talk and they found it inspiring. One student wanted to take a picture with me! Anyway, after chatting with a few students, I went over to my grandmother and said, "I hope I didn't embarrass you too much." She replied, "Oh, no, that was really good." Then she whispered to me, "Do they pay you for this? They need to pay you." I chuckled and told her no, but she later joked that she would be willing to write a letter explaining that she was my grandmother and that I should be reimbursed for my gas mileage. I do adore my grandmother!

My grandmother is truly an amazing woman and continues to be a source of pride for me. I call her often to hear her words of wisdom and encouragement. I love to listen to her stories and strong opinions on current events. I am truly blessed that I can pick up the phone and talk with her as often as I want. She recently sent me a letter stating that she loves to hear my little voice when I call and that, "I sound like I have nothing else to do, but talk to her." I smiled when I read the letter. It is so important that we make time for family, no matter how many things we deal with on a daily basis.

So, I dedicate this blog entry to all the mothers and grandmothers. Have a wonderful Mother's Day. Realize that you are a source of wisdom, courage, and pride for your loved ones.

Comments

  1. Emanuel WaddellMay 4, 2010 at 3:34 PM

    Nice words. What a blessing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 4, 2010 at 6:26 PM

    Nice Sibrina. So glad my autie is still around for you all to have those talks. I miss my g-ma. love ya keep up the great work.

    your cuzo Crystal

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 5, 2010 at 12:00 PM

    I liked reading this story as much as hearing it directly from you the other day. Let's hear it for the moms and grandmas who always want to make sure we get paid, and appreciate our presence. Wish mine were still around this Mother's Day. Thankfully, they are always with me in spirit.

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  4. Auntie KittyMay 15, 2010 at 6:05 AM

    It seems that for a lot of people hindsight is twenty-twenty vision. And then there are those special few whose vision is clear even in the now.Recognizing and being grateful for that which is right here, right now is a super power worthy of a super hero. I love the way you do you.

    Auntie Kitty

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMay 15, 2010 at 2:42 PM

    Sibrina, thank you for saying I'm adorable. I think so too!:D
    Love you, Grandma

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding Another Beautician

We all know that hair has always been a very big deal in the African American community. Finding the right beautician is just as important as finding the right shoes to match an outfit. It really does matter. Today, I decided to try a new beautician near my home for a quick blow dry and curl. When I arrived at the salon--on time--the salon was closed. I decided to call the beautician on her cell and she informed me she was about 10 minutes away. She actually showed up about 20 minutes later, but I was trying to give her a "pass" because the weather was a little nasty outside. While waiting, another young lady was waiting to see a different beautician who was also late. She an I chatted for a minute and she told me that her appointment was at 10:00am, but it was pushed back to 11:00am. (It was about 11:20am at this point.) My beautician finally arrived and apologized for being so late. She actually did a decent job, and I did accept her apology. She tried to convince me to get
Read more

Unsung Chemist: Dr. Booker T. W. White (1907 - 1990)

Born in Tryon, North Carolina on September 9, 1907, Booker Taliafero Washington White was an agricultural chemist and one of several African Americans that earned a doctoral degree in chemistry from The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio) between the years 1940 and 1970. Booker T. W. White began his college career at West Virginia State College (now know as West Virginia State University), an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) located in West Virginia. White completed his undergraduate degree in 1929. White pursued graduate studies in the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at The Ohio State University earning his M.S. degree from OSU in 1937. He attended OSU during the 1936-37 academic year and the 1941 - 1944 academic years. In 1941, an article entitled "Southern Educator Tries to Find Use for Buckeyes," was published in the student newspaper, The Lantern and briefly described White's research efforts. "Booker T. White, on leave of absence
Read more

A New Place Called 'Better'

Image
     The year 2020 has been tremendously difficult, challenging, and so hurtful. How did I manage to keep my head above water this year? I could not have achieved anything in 2020 without the amazing support of friends and family. Honestly, I kept going because of them.      If anyone had told me that in the year 2020, I would publish a new book chapter focused on "superhero chemistry" and two articles in both Nature and Nature Chemistry focusing on achieving equity in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines , I would not have believed it. In addition, I actually officiated my little sister's wedding this year! Furthermore, I turned 50 years old in 2020, which actually still shocks me. There were so many milestones achieved in 2020. However, like all of you, I am looking forward to the year 2021. In other words, I am truly looking forward to new spaces and places called 'better.' Happy New Year everyone! Sibrina #HappyNewYear2021
Read more