In all honesty, Independence Day has never meant much to me; other than some good sales at the mall, good barbeques and time well spent with family and friends. As a lover of history and someone proud to be American, I understand the historical context and significance of July 4. As an African American, it is sometimes difficult for me be excited about the country that I live in declaring independence from their oppressors; only to inflict oppression on others. It’s a dichotomy that I struggle with.

However, the Fourth of July Holiday for this year is a little different for me because of the upcoming changes in my life. In less than 2 weeks, I will be packing up a moving truck and heading down to South Florida; to pursue my dream of being a Social Studies Teacher. It’s an exciting change; however, it makes me nervous. To have the opportunity to do what you’ve always dreamed of doing is so awesome- and it’s an opportunity that could change my life. The nervousness is natural- going to a place that’s unfamiliar and trying to figure out the way of life; along with meeting new people, finding a new church, all of that type of stuff. I’ve made a move before- from North Carolina to Athens, GA, but it was slightly different- moving to go to graduate school is a different type of move than a career move.

At any rate, I suppose that I am declaring my own independence- more and more. I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to experience life in different places, especially at such a young age. Despite my nervousness, I’m confident that things will go well; however, I’m grateful to even have the opportunity to pursue my dreams and my passions. I’m thankful for family and friends who have been supportive and encouraging, and who have helped me get over my initial “OH MY GOSH, WHAT HAVE I DONE” moments after deciding to move.

Here’s to striking it out on your own, to pursuing the road less traveled, to not being afraid to declare your independence.

“To find a dream and a life of their own/A place in the clouds, a foundation of stone/Many precede and many will follow/A young girl’s dream no longer hollow…” ~Dixie Chicks, Wide Open Spaces

“I can see it in the stars across the sky/Dreamt a hundred thousand dreams before/Now I finally realize/You see, I’ve waited all my life for this moment to arrive/And finally, I believe…” ~Fantasia, I Believe