On the phone with Brandi Worley

Hello – Hello – Dang! Hold on, I don’t have enough bars – Don’t hang up, OK?
Nearly a week after I left my three-month reporting internship, my heart is still smiling because I have more confidence in my skills. I was chosen as a Chips Quinn Scholar, and participated in its collegiate journalism training program. As a “Chips’ kid,” I was sent to Columbus, Ga. to write at the Ledger-Enquirer, the city’s daily newspaper.
Before, only the “Einstein-like” students received the good stuff. But average people really do the greatest things!
I was a part of a well-respected national program, though I’m not the best writer on the DIGEST’s staff. I need to work on my gift. My grammar is weak and –
-Wait – Hold on. Allow me to click over. This is my economics tutor returning a call. I have to get this before all the good ones are taken (Phone Time. Beep. Beep) –
– OK, I’m back. Had to take it; it was almost too late.
As I was saying, anyone can accomplish anything. I’m just a simple person trying to do great things. I’d rather play PlayStation or listen to Vivian Green. I just believe in myself and have drive.
From day one, the journalists gave a good indication how the rest of the summer was going to go. I was given a story and it made front-page.
They spent tons of time with me. That alone made a huge difference. I was able to attend meetings where my voice didn’t fall on deaf ears. I interviewed very important community leaders.
I felt myself growing. I was cared for. The only downside was that I had no seafood for a while, unless I paid a ridiculous price.
My living conditions weren’t half bad either. A brand new, fully furnished apartment with all amenities was waiting for me. Peachtree Mall was right down the street. It was a well-paid internship, so I wanted for nothing –
– Hold on again, this phone is getting hot. Let me get my earpiece on – Put your mind to it and you too, can gain a full ride during the summer where your only responsibility is to try to be the best you can and have fun. It’s possible for you to step into your workforce and have people care and love you like family.
There are people who want to see you succeed. I know I do.
Start with your professors and staff at school.
They know a lot. Tell them what you want to do. Ask questions. They really care about you because you’re from Southern and now wherever you go, you’re a reflection of them.
They don’t want their peers from other HBCUs calling because you were half-stepping, or worse, the white folk saw a black person in a bad position — period. They want you to be on point. People will see you and say ‘we have to go back to Southern and get more kids.’
As always, it’s a two-way street you have to pave it for yourself. Leave great impressions with all you meet. Be on time, my colored people (I love y’all).
Hold your word and build steel bridges.
There are going to be doubters, so trust in yourself. Do free work. It’s good “mobile to mobile.” And dream big so you can achieve big.
Oprah, Call ME!