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Growing up, I always believed that being smart meant blending in, staying quiet, and following the crowd. It wasn't until a series of unexpected events, including a detour through summer school in a different county due to failing Algebra 2, that I began to question the depths of my own intelligence. As I reflect on my journey, it feels like I'm unfolding, much like the Transformers, revealing more than meets the eye.
My teenage years were influenced by iconic shows like FAME, where the characters attended a high school that seemed like a hub of creativity. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that world? Alternatively, settling for Bayside High, the home of Zack Morris and company, could have been just as intriguing. Little did I know that my own transformative experiences were waiting to unfold.
The turning point came with a stumble in Algebra 2, a subject that I found myself surprisingly adept at – not in solving equations, but in playing the role of someone who appeared to have it all together. It was during a summer school stint in a different county that the realization struck me: I was more complex, more capable than I had given myself credit for.
Have you ever seen the movie Lucy, featuring the talented actress from Marvel's #BlackWidow and Morgan Freeman? In this film, Lucy is unwittingly involved in drug trafficking as a special substance is stored inside her body. When the bags inside her open, she begins to unlock the untapped portions of her brain. As a self-proclaimed nerd, I can't help but draw parallels between Lucy's journey and my own as I age – unlocking more and more parts of my brain.
From cheering and coaching to decorating and building, I've ventured into diverse realms, often leaving people curious about how I acquired such a range of skills. The answer lies in the influence of a remarkable woman – my mother. Whether it was sewing, cooking, shooting shotguns, or even wielding an ax to deal with lizards and snakes, she embodied the belief that she could do anything. Perhaps it was this belief, or perhaps my perception of it, that shaped my own journey.
I find myself surprising me, not just in terms of intelligence but in the openness to unlock possibilities. It's about dreaming differently and embracing the uniqueness that resides within. As I navigate through life, I've come to realize that it's not just about being smart; it's about being open to discovering the uncharted territories of our own potential.
People often inquire about the origin of my diverse skill set, and my answer is simple: I had a mother who believed in limitless possibilities. Now, as I continue to surprise myself, I wonder if the key to unlocking our intelligence lies not just in our capabilities but in our willingness to explore, dream, and make our own path.
Like @Beyonce said "I was here", and FAME intro, I am going to live forever, remember my name. So here's to being smarter than myself – to the continuous journey of unlocking new dimensions, dreaming differently, and, in my own way, making it a new experience every time. Because, you know how I do – I like to #makeitaneW.
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