What Are You Thankful For?

Well, the end of the semester has finally arrived and I am truly thankful the academic year is now over. As usual, there have been many challenges along the way, but overall the experience has been rewarding. On the drive home today, I began to reflect on many other things that I am most thankful for as well. We often tend to reflect on these kinds of things during holidays, but there is no reason why we shouldn't recognize our blessings everyday. Here is my top ten list of things that I am thankful for (in reverse order):

10. I am thankful that the Young and the Restless is still on the air. (I am a fan of this show! Have you noticed how many soap operas are now gone??? Perhaps the television executives believe that reality shows are the new soap operas. I completely disagree.)
9. I am thankful for DSW and good outlet malls! (Enough said...)
8. I am thankful for good television shows such as Clean House and Hoarders. (This helps me keep my shopping in check.)
7. I am thankful for all of the life lessons so far to help make me a better and stronger person.
6. I am thankful for my friends that encourage and challenge me every step of the way. (Everyone needs a strong support system to remind you to stay true to yourself and pursue your passions.)
5. I am thankful for my family for their love and support. (The wisdom and humor of my grandmother is priceless.)
4. I am truly thankful for the countless mentors that continue to help me reach my full potential.
3. I am thankful that I am in the position to help mentor the next generation of chemists. (Believe me when I say that chemistry is a serious contributor to our economy. This is a $600 billion dollar industry.)
2. I am truly thankful for my health.
1. I am so thankful to be able to wake up in the morning and make a difference in this world. (Remember, everyone has a purpose.)

Now, what are you thankful for?

Comments

  1. Dominique D. DavisJuly 12, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    I would have to say I am truly thankful for people like you...

    I attended Claflin University from 2005-2009 and if it had not been for you and some of the others (i.e. Dr. Peters, Dr. V. Tisdale, and good ole Dr. Isabel), I wouldn't be where I am today. I still remember my very first Chemistry lab with you. We were taking measurements to ensure we knew the difference between accuracy vs. precision. At the time I was a freshman Biology major and I really didn't know where my life would take me, but you inspired me...

    You've crossed my mind several times over the years. I remember when you left the university to pursue a job at the University of Washington. Before you left you told me I had great potential! We talked about graduate school possibilities in my future and all the things you saw in me. It hurt me to see you go because you had a unique way of reaching the students.

    Well...I'd like to thank you! I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Claflin with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics. In fact, I was a recipient of one of the first Applied Math degrees to be awarded. The following semester I left South Carolina to attend Carnegie Mellon University. On May 15, 2011 I graduated yet again. Now I also have a M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from a top ten school! YOU WERE RIGHT! I do have great potential, but I never would have realized it had it not been for the nurturing faculty and staff at Claflin.

    Thank you so much Dr. Collins!!! You made a difference in my life, and I'm sure you've touched many others. I'm glad I was able to find you to see that you are still doing great things. When I look at someone like you I see hope for tomorrow. You are one of the reasons I look forward to giving back to others.

    You may/may not remember me, but I'll NEVER forget you...


    Thanks again.

    Dominique D. Davis
    c/o 2009

    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