REBUILD: I Can't Be A Leader

Leaders are ruthless.I can't be like them. The leaders I've seen are manipulative and always pushing for the top spot so they can remain on top. They are excellent at getting what they want with subtle tactics. I'm kind of like that as far as subtly making what I want to happen, happen yet I don't want to have to be mean to people and take advantage of people.I don't care if my company makes millions as long as I can eat everyday and my kids are okay. I don't understand what's wrong with me and...

Read More

REBUILD: Learn Not To Be A Victim

I was just sitting here and thinking about all the pain I used to carry with me inside.I couldn't engage with anyone truthfully without expecting them to hurt me. Ok, I take that back- I couldn't engage with men.I was so angry at my stepfather for not giving me what I needed most- acceptance, approval and praise. I was so mad at my children's father for not loving me the way I wanted him to. I was angry with every man for not appreciating me and I was mostly mad at myself for desiring their love.I'm...

Read More

REBUILD: Rebuilding My Life Into What?

There's a fine line to walk when you're a journalist and you're involved in a lifestyle that you know nothing about. I am naturally curious. I love understanding people's motivations and for the most part I can tell what people really mean when they say something. It's a gift, I guess.Tonight I went to the NA meeting that was held for the shelter. Everytime someone walked in I felt bad because I didn't want them to worry that I would report that they were there. I'm not into exposing people's faults....

Read More

EDITORIAL: Getting Ready For Graduation

By Erika MartinEducation ColumnistI feel like I'm 17 years old again. I'm getting giddy at the thought of putting on a cap and gown and marching down the athletic field and accepting a real high school diploma from a real high school principal. This is something that's been 17 years in the making and it excites me in a way that very few things could. In less than a month, I'll be holding my high school diploma; a diploma that colleges will actually consider and not laugh about. It's hard to contain...

Read More

Top 5 People Who Inspire Me

Sure, I am blessed to be an inspiration but that only came once I realized that I have all the power to change my perspective. I no longer seek out the filth, pain and anger related issues that used to sustain my negative countenance and view of the world. I was once one of the most pathetic people you would ever meet, consistently looking for sympathy or a solution from someone else because I felt powerless.I am no longer a victim. How did that happen? I am a student of success. I study successful...

Read More

Your World News Report - May 11, 2011

Berlyne JulmisNews CoordinatorA Soccer Field Grave68 bodies were found in ten burial mounds in a soccer field in Abidjan in the Ivory Coast. Guilaume Ngega, the Deputy Director of U.N. Human Rights Division claims the pro-Laurent Gbagbo militias are probably responsible for the killings. Families identified the dead and were interviewed in addition to possible witnesses. The brutal murders happened on April 12, a day after Gbagbo was arrested by the army –Gbagbo militias supporters are raged...

Read More

REBUILD: I May Be A Sucker

They prey on sympathy.I realize that now. I am too sweet of a person and too sensitive to cries for help to do this. Here at the shelter, everyone needs help and they're not afraid to ask.I cried tonight because I keep trying to help and help and there's no end to the asking.Maybe I'm not meant to be in this business of helping others. Goodness knows, if someone needed a shirt, I'd pass mine along. But some of these people don't need a shirt, but they'll take it anyway. They'll laugh at you afterward...

Read More

REBUILD: Waiting For Something To Happen

I pulled myself back together after the frustration of realizing that I have to remain homeless for at least another month.I sat down and made my next objectives:1) Secure employment in journalism, try to sell my stories2) Interview 30 employable homeless women3) Secure donations for the grant for the homeless woman4) Research more resources for women in need5) Market this project moreSo now I have to organize it. I can't spend the entire day working on ONE aspect of the project or I'll get bored...

Read More

Rebuild Your Life Job Fair: Nicole Is Versatile

Name: Nicole RogersAge: 24Education: High School Diploma, Licensed EstheticianWork Experience: Account Representative, Crew Member at McDonald'sBusiness Strengths: Customer Service, Giving Facials/Doing NailsAspires to Become: Owner of a beauty salonDescribes herself as: Versatile, Punctual, Excellent Multi- taskerEmployee Promise: I promise to be a valuable addition to your team and dedicated to giving 110%.Contact Nicole: nro06@yahoo.comMeet Nicole at the Rebuild Your Life Job Fair to be held...

Read More

Rebuild Your Life Job Fair: Lara Is Self Motivated

Name: Lara BranscumAge: 22Work Experience: Line Cook at Pepper Jax, Team Member at Papa John'sBusiness Strengths: Customer Service, CashierAspires to Become: Office ManagerDescribes herself as: Punctual, Team Player, Self MotivatedEmployee Promise: I promise that all my tasks will be done on time and to the highest standards.Contact Lara: laraakashay@yahoo.comMeet Lara at the Rebuild Your Life Job Fair to be held in early June. To participate please email RebuildYourLife@MySavvySisters.C...

Read More

EDITORIAL: Corruption Exposed!

By Christina FerminPolitics & Society ColumnistWhile the media focused its frenzy on the royal wedding and the death of Osama bin Laden, Wikileaks published one of the most threatening findings underway at the federal level of government. For those of who do not know about the international non-profit organization, Wikileaks publishes private, classified secret information submitted by news sources and whistleblowers. The document can be found here http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2005/01/05OTTAWA268.html,...

Read More

REBUILD: When Helping Is An Impulse

I am trying to highlight the good parts of this project, trying to keep it positive. Trying to joke as much as I cry.This project is tearing me up inside most days because I know who i am in the inside. I KNOW it. My circumstances don't match though.I feel guilty for being here and being a journalist while these women have such little hope for themselves or resolving situations and I can't help.I feel like a little mouse unable to save the baby mice.I feel so sad right now. But I'm trying to focus...

Read More

REBUILD: Who'd Want To Kiss A Homeless Chick?

Today I spent the day at Panera Bread working on my project. I redefined things a bit more and reached out to publications telling them that I can write about what I have learned, asking for a chance to write so that I can earn money as a writer while I continue to fundraise and research.I'm crossing my fingers but I do have some awesome revelations to share.After I was done working one of the women here came to me and said, "I have some bracelets a woman gave to me. I think you'd like them."When...

Read More