Why I'll Be Seeing 'Pariah'

Pariah is a movie about a black girl who realizes she is a Lesbian, but finds it hard to come out (be her true self) to her family for many reasons.

1. Black culture isn't exactly welcoming to the gay community.

2. No family ever actually wants to find out their daughter fancies females.

3. Society says being gay is wrong.

4. Being against the norm is terrifying.

That said, I will be seeing this movie. No I'm not gay (but does that really matter?). I think it's time Hollywood starts showcasing movies that share diverse stories of black women. The reason society sees black women (black people really) in such a certain way is because of what is depicted on TV and the movie screens. Hence, the reason I started my new blog The Token Black Chick.

I'm not going to go off on a "woe is me as a black woman" rant because nothing is worse than a self-loathing, complaining [insert group generalizing term]. It's just a matter of fact that certain type of movies are made with black women in them and they are either scorned, angry, self-righteous, too-hood, mad at a man, have love issues, and etc. Sure there are those few films that aren't like that, but for the most part... that's how it is. Certain type of movies make great sales and that's a fact. So... I understand.

Needless to say, I will be seeing Pariah not only because it is a movie that is telling a different black woman story, but it is telling a story about a young woman coming of age and finding it hard to be the person she wants to be. It's a tale we all need to see and learn from.

College: What A Wa$te

Photo taken from Dani Frank (middle)

Lately I've been grappling with this feeling. It's in the pit of my stomach and I can't get rid of it. I go to work every day and am thankful that I'm one of the few kids in my graduating class that actually got a good job right out of college.

My college years were fun. I was all over the place like in high school. Friends in different circles, a student leader and had decent grades. Away from home, I finally felt free with the ability to be my true fun self where people would not judge me from my past. I made life-long friends and finally felt independent. I also took the time to open my mind and try new things. I made mistakes, I learned from my mistake. I found out who I was. Through college, I feel like I became a better human being.

That aside, college was such a waste. This is the feeling I can't shake.

I am in so much debt and feel like I learned NOTHING. Is that my fault? Did I not take my studies serious enough? Did I not try hard enough to really engage with my professors? No. That is definitely not it. Perhaps my expectations were just too high. I sailed through 4 years of college without being super studious. That baffles me because I am not exactly Einstein.

I went to college expecting to connect with professors who I thought would teach me life-changing things. These "things" that would change my life were learned outside the classroom. I hoped that I would leave my university feeling connected. Instead I left bitter, happy with my experiences and over anything that had to do with Hofstra. The way things are handled at my alma-mater are rather frustrating (ask any past and current student). You feel like people are pretending to care about you, even if they actually do.

The most frustrating aspect of my college experience were my journalism classes. I was the perpetual magazine intern and felt like the school of communication did not make any real effort to bring us into the 21 century realm of journalism. Specifically, magazine journalism. I learned so much at my 10 internships than I ever did sitting at a desk, reading text from outdated books.

So many times I had professors that just didn't seem to care about me. I'm not trying to bash my school, so if you are reading this post like that then I'm sorry that you are offended; however, I do not apologize about how I feel.

I talk to one of my best girlfriends who attends Columbia University and she talks to me about how she has all these wise professors that tell her things that resonate in her mind. She has so much work that we never see each other. There's no doubt I've had wise professors, but I can say that may be only a few made an impact on my life.

So now I'm here. 100k in debt and thinking, my education was not worth all that money and maybe, just maybe, I should have chosen a local college. But then I think about all my memories and wouldn't have it any other way.

Things You Should Do: Dance By Yourself

This was snapped at a friend's birthday party.

I've never been afraid to dance by myself. It's one of the many things I don't mind doing alone. While I do enjoy the company of my close friends, I find tranquility in singleness. It's probably because I'm so self-sufficient and enjoy doing things on my own, but whatever.

There's something absolutely liberating about dancing by yourself. Whether it be in a crowd or in your bedroom, allowing the beat to control your body is thrilling. Music creeping into your ears and exiting through your limbs is such a great feeling. It's even better when you don't have to worry about some nasty dude trying to hop on your backside for a 1-2-3 rubdown.

So to avoid that, my moves are usually mean and could possibly knock you out. True story: I once hit a girl in the head by accident while breaking it down. I can't help it. When the right tune comes on, the dance floor is mine. Especially, when it's Beyonce - End of Time. (*holy ghost jig*)

More reading to come in 2012!

Well, I know I haven't been blogging here for a very long time. It's become hard to blog here, as my other blog (Dark Berry Beauty) has taken off and consumes most of my internet time. Kind of crazy that I plan on launching another blog in 2012 that's not fashion/beauty related. I'm pretty excited! More details to come next week.

I was recently gifted a Kindle Fire by my brother and I love it! I can watch movies/tv shows on it and read books. I really just wanted a Kindle to read books because as much as I love physical books, a Kindle is just so portable and easy to carry. If I really love the book, I'll go buy a hard copy. Having a Kindle allows me to read all my children books in secrecy. You know, I need to do research.

I still can't believe 2011 is almost over. 2011 was just not my favorite year. Among many things, I lost my best friend. I know 2012 is going to be my year of success and happiness. I can't wait for it to start! I'll be kicking it off with a juice cleanse.

I Miss The '90s

Long live Rugrats!!

Oy, I've been a bad blogger.

Can you forgive me? :)

People Still Find Dates At Coffee Shops

Out of any group of girls or girl I have been friends with, I have always been the single one. I can't explain it. I don't know why, to be honest. IIIIIII think I'm a great catch ;). I'm sure it has to do with many factors in my life. I'm never really looking for "love," I put up a wall because I don't exactly trust people from the get-go (working on that), I'm too busy doing the things I love (my job & extra interests), and the list goes on...

Ultimately, I've stopped worrying about finding Mr. Right. I'm just living my life. However, my friends seems to have interesting love lives...

Elle* was sent by her bosses to the coffee shop to snag a couple low-fat lattes for an afternoon pick-me-up. The line was long—a 30-45 minute wait! And while waiting in line, a tall, handsome, ivy-league grad (3-4 years removed from school), who worked at a top finance firm sparked up a conversation with her. 20 minutes later, he was asking for her number and they were trying to set-up a date for their rendez vous...

Now that type of stuff just doesn't happen. Meeting a guy, in a COFFEE SHOP?! STRAIGHT OUT OF A MOVIE! I hate coffee, but I may just head into Starbucks every now and then to see if some rando strikes up a convo with me. My luck it'll be some creepy guy telling me I remind him of some type of sweet treat. Ugh.

*name changed

Growing my hair back out! Do you care?

On this day last year I announced I chopped off my hair. So on this day, 365 days later, I've decided to declare that I am growing my hair back out. I KNOW. BREAKING NEWS. Pixie hair has been fun, but I'm ready for my longer locks. And by longer, I mean earlobe length. I think I may still keep it short, but it won't be SUPER short.

Thoughts?

INTERN 101: Make Friends with Fellow Interns

Whenever people email me for internship advice, I always stress the importance of becoming FRIENDS with your fellow interns. These are people who are entering the same industry as you and you will most likely get along because there is already a common interest; where you're interning. Also, one of your fellow interns could help you in the future with your career. BUT. That should not be the main reason for building a bond.

I caught up with some fellow Teen Vogue interns over Japanese Cuisine. From current TV interns, to new internships and job ventures, it was nice to see where we were in our lives. See my snaps below!

Good Friends. Good Food.

A couple nights ago, I dined with two of my good friends. We're all fashion enthusiasts with multiple layers that don't exactly pertain to fashion. Between science and business, we're three young women with a lot of gumption.

Three hours after we finished and paid for our meals, we were still sitting in the restaurant--notably the last few people there--gabbing about anything and everything. By the end of the night, I was glad I had these two lovely ladies in my life. It also got me thinking about the people that are in my life and the people that aren't. I also began thinking about friendships.

Friendships are a very important thing in ones life. I think it's important to have people in your life that know you so well, they can help you through times of strife, struggle and triumph. We all pick and choose people we want to be friends with and we also pick and choose how often we stay in touch with them. Think about it. When's the last time you talked to someone you thought was your "best friend?"

Anyway, see snaps below of my night with my girls!!!