Keynote Speaker
Listening to the speaker talk about some of the things he was privileged to have as a kid up until now got me to thinking about some of the privileges and oppressions I have been dealing with since I was a kid.
So Hi! My name is Tatiyona and I am a black, female, 19 year old mother of 2. I graduated high school despite what any nay Sayers may have said meant to discourage me. I currently attend a community college, work a part time job, and raise two beautiful kids all on my own. But don't assume that I always had it good. It took a long time for me to get where I am now. Let me tell you a little bit about it...
It all started on a cold winter day in Dubuque, Iowa. I was 8 years old, and a force to be reckoned with. At an early age, I realized that I was super violent. I would fight just about anybody, be it boy, girl, bald headed squirrel, man, woman.It was my job to protect my younger siblings, so that's what I did. This became an oppression as it made it harder for schools to want me.
Over the years I have found the error of my ways and realized that I can catch more flies with honey, then I can with vinegar. Which in a way has been a privilege! my kids play a huge role and helping me finding a more appropriate way of handing my anger and help me develop a better relationship with other people.
As an outlet of communication for example, was my mother LaToya. I am to this day extraordinary grateful for having such a wonderful example as someone i could reference while raising my kids. without mom i would be so lost in this world despite all the wrong i have done she have never turn her back on me but always pushed be to do better and make her proud.
So Hi! My name is Tatiyona and I am a black, female, 19 year old mother of 2. I graduated high school despite what any nay Sayers may have said meant to discourage me. I currently attend a community college, work a part time job, and raise two beautiful kids all on my own. But don't assume that I always had it good. It took a long time for me to get where I am now. Let me tell you a little bit about it...
It all started on a cold winter day in Dubuque, Iowa. I was 8 years old, and a force to be reckoned with. At an early age, I realized that I was super violent. I would fight just about anybody, be it boy, girl, bald headed squirrel, man, woman.It was my job to protect my younger siblings, so that's what I did. This became an oppression as it made it harder for schools to want me.
Over the years I have found the error of my ways and realized that I can catch more flies with honey, then I can with vinegar. Which in a way has been a privilege! my kids play a huge role and helping me finding a more appropriate way of handing my anger and help me develop a better relationship with other people.
As an outlet of communication for example, was my mother LaToya. I am to this day extraordinary grateful for having such a wonderful example as someone i could reference while raising my kids. without mom i would be so lost in this world despite all the wrong i have done she have never turn her back on me but always pushed be to do better and make her proud.
