Have you ever found yourself in a moment of spontaneity that leads to an unforgettable adventure? That’s precisely what happened to me when I decided, on a whim, to participate in a 12-hour overnight race. I am by no means a spontaneous person, but I figured why not. The event in Garnett, Kansas turned out…

SO….when I learned I was expecting my first child, the very first thing I did was buy “Oh Baby, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. At the time, my choice seemed almost random. In hindsight, it perfectly reflected my love of travel and my hope that my child, and eventually children, would embrace the…

SO…as a secondary school student in Barbados I studied Latin for several years. I adored it and oftentimes I find myself reflecting on certain phrases; pithy words of wisdom. One phrase that has resonated with me throughout my life is “Aut inveniam viam aut faciam” which translates to “I shall either find a way or…

SO…“If you’re going to dream….Dream Big.” This was a phrase my mother often repeated to me throughout my life, well into adulthood and one that I tell my own children constantly. Today I sit in a crowded venue with other families bearing witness to my first-born son realizing one of his big dreams…graduating college. This…

SO….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…