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It is so hard to talk about myself, especially when I have to discuss my wins
0:06
But I keep being reminded by a friend who is also a fellow social worker to stop being humble and celebrate yourself
0:16
This last year has been a crazy roller coaster ride for me. Lockdowns, quarantine, isolation caused me to reflect on the good, bad, and ugly
0:26
Last year, I visited my mother one last time. A couple months prior, she was in the hospital and she changed
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She wasn't as social. She wasn't watching TV. She was just very sad
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This was the first time we heard the words comfort care and hospice
0:48
Who would have thought last year had been the last time I would see her? Because that was when New Jersey was shut down
0:56
Luckily, the medical team was great. They allowed us to FaceTime her whenever we wanted
1:03
I definitely could see that she was getting tired. So I told her, Mom, just rest
1:09
I know that you're worried and you're tired. So I just want you to know that I'm okay
1:16
Lonnie's okay. On April 13th and 815, she died. One thing about sitting still is that
1:26
that you're forced to face reality and reflect on everything, especially after a big loss
1:32
So I reflected a lot on my mother's lessons, education, focus, and independence
1:39
I knew I had to prepare for this licensed clinical social work exam on June 29th
1:45
And honestly, studying was the last thing I wanted to do. I just wanted to be on the couch and sleep after work But I can hear my mom in my ear saying get it together and study And because of that I studied every day right after work
2:01
and I ended up passing that exam. I was so happy. I felt relieved
2:09
Outside was starting to open up, and my friends wanted to go out, but I couldn't fit anything
2:15
I gained a lot of weight between grief in quarantine. And I knew I had to do something
2:21
because I was just tired all the time and not feeling great. So again, utilizing my toolbox
2:28
I began to get focused to not only exercise but change my habits overall
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As a result, I lost almost 50 pounds and still going. Everything was on the up and up
2:47
I did have moments where I felt sad. I just wish I could call my mom to just tell her what's going on
2:53
But I knew that she was always there, especially when I got hit with COVID
3:01
I didn't know anything about this virus, and I was very scared because a lot of people died
3:07
But I can say I was very happy and blessed that it was a mild case
3:13
So while this year was very bleak and dark, I can say that I made it
3:17
I have to give praises to God and thank my beautiful mom again for always being there
3:23
A black excellence is resilience. I compare it to a rose that grows through concrete
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So with that being said, I am black excellence
