It feels just like yesterday that my brother, sister, and my mother were all cramped in my RA single getting ready for my graduation at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. I, along with 750 students would be sealing our college career as the graduating class of 2017. There was a nervous smile on my face because I knew this was a remarkable and special occasion for my Guyanese family. I was going to be the last of the triplets who would take the stage and graduate with honors. I was going to be seen, heard, and recognized by my peers, family, and most importantly, myself. So, Sunday, May 28th, 2017, as my sister pinned the "Jesus Overwhelms Me" designed cap on my wash and go curls, (#blackgirlmagic), I gave myself one last look in the mirror. I couldn't have been more proud of the young woman I have become in the span of four years. I have gained wisdom and self-love for the identities that have formed me: young, black, woman, educated, Christian, Caribbean, and a triplet.
To be young, gifted, and black was more than a mantra--it became real life.
My sister, Amber and brother, Kenan graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY on Mother's Day, May 14th, 2017. Despite these colleges coming together as one entity in the 70's, their graduates still matriculated and commenced based on gender. The latter alternating each year. For instance, Hobart's male seniors would graduate first, then William Smith's females second or vice versa. However, in my sister and brother's year, students advocated for Hobart and William Smith's graduation to be together, which evidently meant that my sister and brother would be graduating in birth order! How cool was THAT?! I know.
It was an extraordinary moment to see Amber walk across that stage first and then Kenan. It felt like 2/3rds of me were accomplishing black excellence and I was left to go. "Wow, they finished college" I said to myself after screaming their names. Overwhelmed with emotions, I knew that being born in this particular order was no accident. It was God's plan (no pun intended) all along! There is something to be said about triplets. We have a unique bond that allows us to share our lives together, but as separate individuals too. As we're doing this thing called life at the same time, we can each use our own lens to make sense of the world. It is a beautiful thing and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Shout out to the village that raised us, fashioned us to never be ashamed of where we come from and to always appreciate histories of those who came before us.
Amber, Kenan, and Arnelle, Brooklyn's finest triplets graduated from prestigious schools. We did it! We've come a long way from NYC public schools, a whirlwind of New England boarding schools, and predominantly white institutions. It couldn't have been done without the relentless love from my parents, faith in God, and copious amounts of support from my sistahs and brothas.
I charge the next generation to keep striving towards their dreams even though the political, racial, and social climate we live in can be seen as pandemonium. What you can make great again is yourself. Therefore, I charge YOU to find your voice. Find God. Keep reading fervently and be inspired daily to help and share life with others.
Congratulations to the Class of 2018!
Currently, Amber and Kenan work in the Media industry and I as a secondary educator. Let the hashtags begin.
Much love,
Arnelle
To be young, gifted, and black was more than a mantra--it became real life.
My sister, Amber and brother, Kenan graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY on Mother's Day, May 14th, 2017. Despite these colleges coming together as one entity in the 70's, their graduates still matriculated and commenced based on gender. The latter alternating each year. For instance, Hobart's male seniors would graduate first, then William Smith's females second or vice versa. However, in my sister and brother's year, students advocated for Hobart and William Smith's graduation to be together, which evidently meant that my sister and brother would be graduating in birth order! How cool was THAT?! I know.
It was an extraordinary moment to see Amber walk across that stage first and then Kenan. It felt like 2/3rds of me were accomplishing black excellence and I was left to go. "Wow, they finished college" I said to myself after screaming their names. Overwhelmed with emotions, I knew that being born in this particular order was no accident. It was God's plan (no pun intended) all along! There is something to be said about triplets. We have a unique bond that allows us to share our lives together, but as separate individuals too. As we're doing this thing called life at the same time, we can each use our own lens to make sense of the world. It is a beautiful thing and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Shout out to the village that raised us, fashioned us to never be ashamed of where we come from and to always appreciate histories of those who came before us.
Amber, Kenan, and Arnelle, Brooklyn's finest triplets graduated from prestigious schools. We did it! We've come a long way from NYC public schools, a whirlwind of New England boarding schools, and predominantly white institutions. It couldn't have been done without the relentless love from my parents, faith in God, and copious amounts of support from my sistahs and brothas.
I charge the next generation to keep striving towards their dreams even though the political, racial, and social climate we live in can be seen as pandemonium. What you can make great again is yourself. Therefore, I charge YOU to find your voice. Find God. Keep reading fervently and be inspired daily to help and share life with others.
Congratulations to the Class of 2018!
Currently, Amber and Kenan work in the Media industry and I as a secondary educator. Let the hashtags begin.
Much love,
Arnelle
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