Mocha Maris

There are a million ways that I could start this introduction. Trust me, my google docs is filled with many attempts that didn't make the cut. I'm pretty sure I've come across each way one by one. I'm not sure whether or not my fear of failure kept me bound or if I let the procrastination I know all too well get the best of me. However, the answer was in front of me the whole time. Last year, I wrote an essay for a scholarship called "The Black Girl Magic Equation". Although, I wrote the essay in hopes of triumphing my competition, when I looked back on it, it completely embodies the essence of who I am, my values, and how I want the world to view me and those things attached to me. Therefore, for my first post is entitled The Black Girl Magic Equation...

Huffington Post defines black girl magic as “a term used to illustrate the universal awesomeness of black women. It’s about celebrating anything we deem particularly dope, inspiring, or mind-blowing about ourselves”. However, I refuse to acknowledge the glory a black woman brings to the table, without acknowledging the story behind the success which is what this definition conveys. From my personal experience I have concluded that there is a chemical equation that is the summation of Black Girl Magic, B+ Br+Be. On a periodic table this would be the elements boron, bromine, and beryllium. However, in the equation that makes a strong, sensible black woman well endowed in black girl magic these elements are boldness, brilliance, and belief. With these mutualistic elements properly balanced, black girl magic is formed.

Oprah Winfrey, who continues adding clarity to the concept of black girl magic encourages black girls to “Think like a queen”. That means to me as a black girl, “queen”, that my magic knows no fear, and that failure is not an option. Therefore, I am compelled to put into practice the “bold” of my black girl magic equation. Being bold is taking risk, walking in confidence and succeeding in going above and beyond even in the face of what looks like failures. Throughout my scholastic career, I have heard the word no so many times it seems to have become more of a motto, rather than an answer. I was told no in every athletic tryout I competed for, I was told no by my school to programs I’ve tried to implement for the betterment of other students, and even told no by my dream college. Although I didn’t succeed in these things that I thought were just right for me, that didn’t stop me from being bold and continuing to reach for my goals. While in a sea full of no’s, when I finally did get a yes I was able to appreciate my success even more and find my niche; and build on my black girl magic. This served as a great lesson to me not to let failure discourage me, however, let it serve as motivation. In short, black girl magic is my process for digging into the essence of who I am by using my black girl magic formula and remembering to think like a queen.

Armed with my black girl magic formula, Oprah’s advice to think like a queen, and my unwavering belief in God, I plan to let the brilliance of my light shine on my college campus. I will definitely let the brilliance of my light shine through my academics as I pursue a degree in Neuroscience on a pre-medical track. I am fully prepared for long nights in the library and early mornings in the classroom. I strongly believe that by shining my light in the academic setting, I can inspire others to do the same. Black girl magic is more than focusing on personal goals, it is also about letting the light you hold shine on others and especially on those who need it most. I will spread the light of my black girl magic through my efforts to volunteer within the community around my college. I will exercise my faith by extending comfort and help to someone in need, being a living example of the believer in everything I do and say both on and off campus. As a matter of routine I will share a smile with everyone I encounter. I am a Christian which is the true foundation for my black girl magic and I live by Matthew 5 Verse 16 “Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and. glorify your Father who is in heaven.”.

Black girl magic goes beyond praising black women for what glorious things they’ve done on social media as the Huffington Post offered as their definition of black girl magic. I am more convinced that Black girl magic embodies the scientific equation of the 3 B’s (B+ Br+Be, yields, Boldness, brilliance, and belief) which speaks to the not only the accomplishments of black women(girls) but also the strength of character that has caused us to be strong, steadfast, and unmovable; succeeding above all odds. We are and always have known that we are somebody to be reckoned with and even as girls we shall continue to agitate, express ourselves in voice and action, and to love our people by developing and fulfilling our roles in the village (communities). No, I am not in anyway claiming to be perfect, even with all of the black girl magic I possess. However, by being bold and using my failures as motivation, letting the brilliance of my light shine, and putting all of my belief in God in action, I believe that I will positively impact my university and exhibit the purest form of black girl magic.

#mochagirls #mochagirlsnmedicine #overflow #blackgirlmagic #premed