Women's
History Month: VANESSA BRANTLEY'S NEW ATTITUDE.
As
it is Women’s History Month and this is my blog and I am a woman,
an African-American woman, it seems only natural for me to document my
history. In reference to my “firsts” as
an African-American woman, I would have to list the following accomplishments
(Of course, this information is offered to the best of my knowledge.):
1. I was the first African-American woman
accepted in the Master of Science degree
program in Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors from The University of
Georgia. I took a break after getting my
thesis proposal approved. Later, in
1996, I became the second African-American woman to graduate with a Master
of Science degree in Textiles,
Merchandising and Interiors.
2. In 1999, I became the first African-American
woman to graduate with a Doctor of
Philosophy degree in Textiles and Apparel under the College of Human Sciences
at Florida State University.
3. In 1999, I was the first
African-American woman at Florida State University to graduate as a Southern
Regional Education Board [SREB] Doctoral Scholar. I was also the second graduate and
woman to represent Florida in the SREB Doctoral Program.
4. In 1999, I became the first African-American
assistant professor hired in the Family and Consumer Sciences department at
Southwest Texas State University [currently Texas State University-San Marcos].
*Please
note, I could have other “firsts” unbeknownst to me.
If
you really want to get to know me, then you should read all of my blog entries. I reveal so much about myself in the
writings. Think about it. If I don’t document my existence, who will?
FACT
1--You will find that I like to travel to well-known and little known places. I like to meet interesting people and I LOVE
to eat scrumptious-looking foods. Oh, I
also LOVE grand and fine clothing.
FACT
2—For the past 30 years, I have primarily drenched myself in BLACK clothing. My weight kept increasing after I stopped
exercising. For me, wearing mainly black
clothing looked chic and smart. It also
gave me confidence to feel sexier. Sure,
I could have just exercised, but for some reason designers always included
great-looking black clothes in their collections. I didn’t have a personal connection to any
other hue. Occasionally, I would wear
cheetah or leopard prints, but nothing felt or looked as “right” as black
apparel.
FACT
3—Vanessa Brantley has a new attitude!
Recently I turned 59 years old.
Accepting this is the last year to be called “middle-age,” I’m mentally
and visually preparing for senior-hood. I
have a new outlook on life. I am older
and wiser. I DO NOT want to be
associated with youth.
What’s
so great about being young?
I
like knowing what I now know. I know
what I like. I now know whom I like. I now know what I want. I now know and accept that I don’t have
forever to get things done.
I
now know the freedom of “not making decisions or not having a goal.”
I’m
not going to get richer. I’m not going
to find Prince Charming. I’m not going
to become a celebrity. I’m not going to
stress the rest of my life away. I’m
just not.
What
I am going to do is stop wearing black all the time. Stop being so serious about life. Stop caring about what other folks need and
want from me. Stop hoping for a tomorrow
of dreams that will probably not come, happen or manifest.
Yep,
what I AM GOING TO DO is wear anything I want to wear, anytime and anyplace. I am going to date any man for any reason I
choose. I might even find time to make a
new friend…or not. I might get yet
another degree. Who knows?
I
am going to live for me. That’s it. No goal in mind. Just living out my days remaining on Earth.
See ya!
*Vanessa Brantley Style395.blogspot.com, March 29, 2018, “Women's History Month:
Vanessa Brantley’s New Attitude,” Volume
13, Blog 1b [vol. 13, 1a-1c].
