If you want something, go and get it: I was taught that nothing was impossible as long as I was ready to work for it.
Enjoy your childhood: Boy did I take that advice and run with it! Good times :)
Not everyone can be your friend: I accepted from an early age that some people would like me and some wouldn't so I never wasted time or tears on the latter.
You are black: This may seem like a pointless statement but in order to survive institutional racism, the colour of my skin and the prejudices that came with that had to be highlighted.
Knowledge is power and therefore an education is essential: My parents never told me what to study or which knowledge would benefit me but they instilled the hunger for knowledge in me and it has served me well.
The things you do today will affect your tomorrow: This made me think twice before doing anything stupid.
Common sense is more important that getting A's at school: Common sense really isn't common.
Seize every opportunity: This is probably the best advice I was given by someone outside my family, namely, a teacher. Taking this advice to heart has allowed me to lead an amazing life with so many unconventional experiences.
It's not everything that you see that you must say: Some things are just not meant to be passed on.
I love you just the way you are: This was hammered into my head before I would reply 'I love you too' and has allowed me to always remain confident in who I am as a person.
First Published: Feb 22, 2015