I grew up in Harlem Grant projects, and I didn't have a whole lot then. I've always been good about only getting what I need, not what I want. Just because someone else has something, I don't feel the need to.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I've been a grant seeker all my life, but when I apply for one and get it, that means someone else doesn't. I didn't want to be a part of that anymore. I wanted to contribute to that pool and make it bigger.
When I was growing up, I always knew that if I ever got anything, I was going to give back as much as I can. I learned that all you have to be willing to do is give your time.
As you know, I'm a black girl out of the projects of New York City, raised in a single parent home because my parents divorced very very young... welfare and homeless at four and then again at 16 and just not having the things or the necessary tools that society would say I needed to have in order to be any kind of success in life.
If you are given a lot of money without having to work for it, you won't appreciate it as much as if you made it yourself.
No-one works for money alone and tapping into what people want from their careers and what they have to offer is essential.
If you're not actively involved in getting what you want, you don't really want it.
Growing up, I didn't have a lot and always wanted things. But I was too prideful to ask for anything; I always worked for it.
What do you do with what you're given, and how do you transform it into something worthwhile?
It isn't sufficient just to want - you've got to ask yourself what you are going to do to get the things you want.
As a youngster in the projects, I definitely didn't have anything. So if you get something, you want to be able to give back and help others.