Foremost, to be clear, law school was ALWAYS the plan; in fact, it's why I began my academic career at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After completing my first year, and being dissatisfied with UNC's limited Science and Technology programs, and conflicted as to maximizing my academic pursuit and the versatility thereof overall, I set my sights upon a higher purpose. You see, I'm a self-admitted versatilist. In fact, my trademark slogan for my private corporation is

"My one thing is many."

 

I recently read an article that sums it up concisely:

"A “versatilist” is a specialist in a particular discipline, that can change to another role with ease. Unlike specialists, who possess depth in one area, and generalists who have breadth but no depth, “versatilists” exhibit both. They apply a depth of skill to a progressively widening scope of situations. “Versatilists” are highly marketable because they can be redeployed within an organization in response to change (Rancourt, 2020, Graduates need to prioritize versatility when entering the workforce)." 

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While many of my peers were being taught to identify their "one thing" and pursue that as a specialization, my parents warned against the folly and risks in so doing. And sheesh am I glad that I understood the assignment. So, against my mentors' recommendations and peers wondering why in the world I'd voluntary transfer from an esteemed PWI to an HBCU, which ironically is now the #1 HBCU in the nation, after my freshman year at UNC, I transferred to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. It made perfect sense. Unlike the gross ineptitudes and tortious conduct to which A&T subjected me during my PhD program, A&T "owes me nothing" for the wealth of versatile academia and professional experience I gained during my undegrad and initial grad programs. In fact, I won't hem and haw in that I am so exceedingly proud of the curriculum options afforded to me to effectually curate the unrivaled nature of my academia and conferred expertise to date. Honestly, because of that, there are very few in this nation and world even who possess similar academia and expertise, and for a "little Black Haitian Cherokee girl from a low-to-middle class hood in Greensboro, NC," I think I did damn good and can unapologetically profess this accomplishment. Plus, I didn't just do it for the sake of doing, nor solely for my own benefit. Like law, and at least parallel thereto, POLITICS was also ALWAYS the plan, and I curated my academic career to be of utmost service to YOU. 

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After completing my Bachelor's of Science in Agricultural Education and Environmental Science and Master's of Science in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, I initially began my law school career at North Carolina Central University in 2002, at which time its Juris Doctorate program was rated #1 for Black women. Immediately before the Fall of 2002 semester (my first), however, I'd lost my father to epilepsy and within a month suffered a severe multi-fractured pelvis from a car accident. I had to learn walk again. I actually crossed the stage for my Master's in a wheelchair. I arrived on a walker. The photograph to the left was taken that day.

 

With fortitude, I proceeded forward, and began law school as planned, but soon realized it was just too much, so I withdrew before the end of the school year.

 

Doctors told me I'd walk with a permanent 50% gait, but I don't. Holistic health has continued to serve me exceptionally well throughout my life. Taking that necessary time to properly heal both physically and emotionally was indeed a decision free from regret. 

 

After being conferred with candidacy in my PhD program in Fall 2018, I decided a start date of Spring 2019 was feasible for law school, and so I did and remained on track, graduating in October 2022. Don't be fooled; that's just the gist of it all. The specific details as to the the life crises I experienced in pursuit of this end goal will be available soon to the public in my autobiography, "My Sum Total." I first announced that I was writing this book several years ago, and had planned to release it before now BUT LIFE KEEPS HAPPENING and important aspects thereof are musts for this book. So, I postponed the release date to include enough to round out a comprehensive telling of my life to date.

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That following summer, we drove cross-country (in a Tesla) to attend my graduation. My mother and I had driven cross-country twice, so this time was more about introducing my son to that experience. If you haven't, it's a must-do. Some of you know that I'm a vlogger, as well​; so, of course, I vlogged our adventure. Check out the 3-part vlog using the slider to the left. Nothing could've made that experience more amazing except my father being alive to experience it with us; after all, he is the one who incessantly encouraged me to go to law school in the first place.

 

My Juris Doctorate was earned, conferred and awarded to me. It now rounds out the "gifts I lay at your feet" in my pursuit of ethical public service.  

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