Growing up, I was often guided by sayings filled with island wisdom, one of which has particularly resonated with me over time: “What rain can’t fill, dew can’t fill.” As a child, this proverb seemed to speak of missed opportunities and the importance of seizing the moment. However, as an adult, its message has evolved…

SO….A grand old tree fell in our yard a few days ago. And, it was only after it fell that I noticed the young sapling growing in its shadow. This natural occurrence reminded me of how major changes can reveal overlooked details or opportunities in our lives. When a towering tree falls, it can feel…

SO….A few years ago I started ending my emails and even phone conversations with this phrase. It started as another way of saying “have a great day” but I cannot tell you the amount of times others have responded with how uplifting those words were especially on not so great days. This past week I…

SO….I was born and raised in Barbados, studied in Canada and currently work in the U.S. Over the years I have had the privilege of traveling the world and engaging with scholars in different communities. Thus, it truly was a privilege for me to be inducted into the Epsilon Omega chapter of Phi Beta Delta,…

SO….I have always been fascinated by names. When I was about 7 years old my mother shared with me that my names were supposed to be “Maria Lana Simone.” Sometime between entering the hospital for delivery and exiting with a newborn my name changed based on input from my father, my aunts and the attending…