Daily Good Start : Hype Girl.

Ello Love Bugs,

Never have I thought of myself as a role model, mentor, someone that could bestow wisdom, or had talents to share with others, but after this weekend I realized that I'm equipped with a few good things to help da' yoots of America.

My cousin who is about 10 years younger than me texted me awhile back about changing college majors and expressed that she was interested in a career like mine. When I read the text, I thought "Say what? You want to be like me? You’re asking for my advice?" Do you know me? I'm a hot mess." But after a conversation with her this weekend, she expressed her love for people, travel, and marketing; I thought hot damn I got this. Our conversation included the importance of a killer internship, networking, a great resume, and going after your dreams. I'm sure nothing I said was profound, but what I think she needed more than anything was a hype girl, someone to listen, encourage, love and provide a little insight.

This weekend I also spent a little time with another cousin. She's really into basketball and it seems like she's got the dedication and desire to play in college. Once again, be there done that and I've got bad ankles to prove it. Our time together was limited, but I think her knowing that her has-been cousin once hooped it up back in the day made her feel empowered.

There's someone someone out there that would love for you to be there Hype Girl or Hype Guy. My friend Ali is my Hype Girl, she hears me out on everything and has always got my back in the encouragement department. Then there's my talented friend Joy, her photography has been displayed in Rolling Stone Magazine, The Washington Post and websites and blogs across DC. In my opinion everything she shoots is magical, and I'm by far her biggest Hype Girl. I tell her time and time again that her work is incredible and to keep going after bigger projects.

I know that this is a smorgasbord blog touching on having someone in your life that is an encourager, being an encourager or seeking to be someone's mentor, but I think it's all on the same thread. You possess something within you that someone else just needs a little dose of, it could be as simple as encouragement, a hug, cake decorating tips, shooting free-throws, proof reading, designing a website, investment advice, or weekly phones.