Purpose University

First comes the degree, then comes the J-O-B. How are you feeling about it? Do you feel like you’ve got the keys to success? Be it that you’re going into the workforce for the first-time, or using that graduate degree to move on up, this show is for you. In this session, Kimberly Barrett shares with us how to level up professionally by networking and utilizing our resources in the workplace. Join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our trip down memory lane this week, we're headed back to 2019. After facing a great deal of racism growing up, Dr. Marsha Lue is now helping her community by teaching diversity and inclusion as well as helping first-generation scholars persist through college. Be sure to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

An empowering conversation with Ivy Felicia about facing barriers as a first-generation college student and professional, making meaning of one's experiences, and fat acceptance and body diversity. Join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're digging in the archives with this one. As it's back-to-school season, it was this very time two years ago that I had the pleasure of presenting a keynote for some of the most amazing first-generation students at The University of Southern Mississippi. In this session, I reflect on a thought I shared with students with a message too good not to share with you. In a world that is constantly pushing standards of all that you are supposed to be, I think it's important for you to be reminded that life is a blank canvas, and whatever you want for your life you get to create. Don't forget to check out the full session notes: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/234. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the thing I've really had to work on over the years is my mindset about money. When you grow up without it, it's hard to have much of an opinion about it. As a matter of fact, I once heard someone say that people who don't have money usually don't talk about it because it's not something for which they're proud, and even more than that, what is there to talk about? I'm grateful for the experiences that have exposed me to different perspectives, and in this session, I share an encounter with my roommate from college that changed my life. Peep the full session notes at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/232. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

I had a Facebook memory pop up the other day. It was a picture of me during the last orientation that I'd worked as a full-time professional in higher education. I found myself "feeling some kind of way" remembering that time of my life. I recalled not knowing if I was making the right decision and/or if/how I was going to make it. What I did know was that something needed to change and that was my priority. Peep the full show notes at www.thefirstgenounge.com/231. Don't forget to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you doing what's best for you? Wait… Let me ask that question differently. Are you doing what's best for you so as long as it doesn't bother, disappoint, or upset anybody else? When we think about doing what's best for us, we must truly do the things that are going to make us happy even if other people don't agree. It's not always the easiest thing to do because of the concerns of disapproval or rejection. When we do not make the choices to do what’s best for us, however, we’ll always be miserable. So, in this chat with Nzinga D. Mpenda, we discuss the importance of being authentic, doing what’s best for you, and learning to choose joy. Don't forget to check out session notes: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/session/230. Join The Kick It Crew: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you think of the word champion, you often associate it with someone who wins, a person that's a fighter, to come out on top. So, then, as a first-generation scholar or professional... what does it for you to be a champion? See full session notes at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/229 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you looking for answers that are already there? Are you looking for signs that have clearly been present, but because they are not what you want to see, you haven’t given them more attention? Be sure to check out full session notes at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/228. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Finding oneself at a crossroad is one thing, but knowing exactly which way to go once there is another. Since our last chat, Dr. T'Airra Belcher has experienced a number of major life changes. We're excited to have her back with us to chat a bit about what to do when faced with making significant pivots in life. Be sure to join The Evingerlean Worldwide Family: https://evingerleanworldwide.com/family/. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you see your life, the work that you do, and the way that you live as your ministry? Have you ever given much thought to your steps being ordered and all you have to do is lean in? The interesting thing about life is that what we believe is usually what we see unfolding in our journey; it's what we tend to get out of life, too. Join the movement: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/movement/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When you're faced with a difficult situation, exactly what do you do? So often we find ourselves having to make tough decisions, navigating new territory, or simply trying to make sense of what's next for us. Here's a bit of perspective to carry with you as you continue to navigate this journey called life. Join the movement: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/movement/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

To be assertive, we've got to overcome our fear of not being liked and realize it's about protecting our peace. Being assertive can feel icky for some of us. We'd like to think that it's because we're so used to being nice but the truth of the matter is that being assertive doesn't mean we have to be mean. Join the movement: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/movement/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When we look at our lives and realize something needs to change, we can't wait for someone else to tell us that we need to change it. Our happiness, our realities--none of that will be what we want it to be unless we do something about it. If you are seeking self-growth, if you are looking to improve your quality of life, then you need to ask yourself these 5 questions. Check out the full session notes: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/223. Join the movement: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/movement/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ever thought about taking your passion for speaking and turning it into a profitable business?  Imagine yourself being on stage, sharing your expertise and captivating audiences, sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, it could be. But only if you do it right.  If you're thinking about starting a speaking business, the first thing you've got to understand is that it's possible. It won't happen overnight; it might even take a year or more. But it's possible. If you believe you are an expert at something or your knowledge can help others, that's all you need to start. But remember, it's a journey. And like every other journey through life, it won't be easy, but it will all be worth it in the end. Check out the full session notes: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/222. Get enrolled at First-Generation University: www.firstgenerationuniversity.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As a first-gen, you've probably heard that the key to success in life is saying "YES" to opportunities. Be enthusiastic and take on as many opportunities as you possibly can. You never know; one of those 'yeses' might change your life. I know I operated from such a mindset because I believed growth could only happen when you say yes a lot more. But here's the thing, not all opportunities are created equal. And while there will be times when it's good to try out something new, there are many times when it will be wiser to say no. Sadly, most people say yes a little too much and without enough thought.Remember, just because an opportunity popped up doesn't mean you should take it up. I believe experience is not about taking up all available options; it's about choosing the right opportunities at the right time. Check out the full session notes: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/221. Join the movement: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/movement/. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From the moment you start thinking about owning your own business to serving your first customer, entrepreneurship seems like a challenging yet gratifying experience. Interestingly, even the stressful moments seem to have a bit of magic, such that mistakes rarely birth entrepreneurial regret. Thus, it seems crazy to think that someday you might have regrets about some of the strategies or financial decisions you implement. I know I did, and you might be feeling the same right now. You might be thinking a different decision would have led you to a happier, healthier, and more successful life. If only you could go back in time. But you can't, and as a First-Generation College graduate, you probably can't afford to make costly mistakes. So, what can you do? I believe that you need to learn from the mistakes of others. After all, you can't live long enough to make them all yourself. Check out the full session notes: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/220. Join the movement: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/movement/. See

Everyone, me included, wants the next week, month, or year to be better than the previous ones. That's why we set goals and write down new year's resolutions because we all crave the feeling of eventually accomplishing something. But here's the thing, if you really want to succeed, you have to make changes to the things that are holding you back. I believe that the secret of change is not focusing all of your energy on fighting your old habits, but on building new ones. But now the question becomes, "How do I make changes to something as unpredictable as my future?" Simple, don't make it complicated. Have a set goal, highlight what needs to change, and, most importantly, do what makes you happy. Check out the full session notes: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/219. Join the movement: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/movement/. Seeing the Big Picture Training: https://www.firstgenerationuniversity.com/courses/seeing-the-big-picture. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Socrates, a famous Greek philosopher once said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” I might not know what he had in mind at that time, but I do know that discovering your true self is the best thing you can ever do to yourself. Why? Because when you know who you are, you don’t look for validation from others. You just do what feels right for you. But the best thing of all is it allows you to bypass the numerous trial and errors caused by putting energy into the wrong things. I believe that once you know yourself, it’s easier to become more confident, understand your purpose, and start making a bigger impact on the world. Remember, knowing yourself creates the space for you to be happy, and not rushing yourself creates opportunities for you to evolve. Check out the full session notes: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/218. Join the movement: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/movement/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Most neighborhoods have that one store that changes into a new business every six months. It was once a barbershop, then it was a pizza joint, then soon after it became a grocery store. These small businesses were launched and shut down almost before anyone took notice of them. And it breaks my heart. According to the Small Business Administration, 8 out of 10 new businesses fail within the first 12 months. That's a whopping 80%. But why? What can we learn from the tremendous amount of failure in the entrepreneurship world to apply to our business ambitions? From a broad perspective, the primary reason businesses fail is they simply run out of cash. However, the cracks in the foundation start well before lights out. Check out the full session notes: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/217. Join the movement: www.evingerleanworldwide.com/movement/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.