Month: July 2016

OK just like my high school senior year, my college senior year has to be broken up also, especially since it took me an extra semester to graduate. 

I would be remissed if I didn’t mention how close Marcus and I got as the WU years passed. He looked out for me a lot then and I feel he still does from the grave. Great dude indeed. 

My social life continued to blossom as I attended more parties and gatherings and simply branched out more in the WU and Rock Hill community. I had many friends but I was still lacking my people. 

I no longer sat in “Little Africa” in the Cafe for meals. I sat on the far end of the Cafe. Marcus later joined me. 

Things were thriving on just about every end as I was wrapping up my WU career. I had spend the previous summer at WU working at the school and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. 

Also, just when I didn’t think things could get any better for me, I FINALLY met my crew, my people! It was a combination of Marcus and my Residence Life involvement but I got to experience having a set group of friends. And this happened just as the new millennium had started,…

#imjustdrew

I was now in my 20s, a veteran of the WU culture, and getting more social and active in so many ways.

Being an RA changed my entire college career. I learned leadership, career, and social skills that I still use to this day. I’m also blessed to be in touch with many of my residents from both years and be cool with them (even the ones I had to reprimand). 

This was also the time I began expressing myself more towards women and found out who my real friends were. You see, when I first arrived on campus, I was involved and social. But when it came to certain matters, I was a recluse or bookworm. Now I had a lady interest that I was trying to pursue. We shall call her Mia. 

I had been trying to get Mia’s attention since the end of sophomore year. She was very involved also, a WU cheerleader, orientation assistant, and a few other things. She was also (and still is) very beautiful, sweet and cool. 

She kept giving me the cold shoulder. I should have taken the hint but instead on her birthday I had six red roses sent to her room. She thought they were nice but many thought I was a sucker because she didn’t like me like that. I later found out when I asked her out for the 50th time and was turned down that she made up an excuse but went to the movies with another guy. 

Now those that know Mia know that she didn’t intend any harm, she simply wanted to spare my feelings. However, where I came from, brutal and tactful honesty was expected. After a while, I stopped talking to her completely. She would pass me on campus and say hi and I would look the other direction. I was mad at the time until some guys told me she was feeling bad, couldn’t understand why I was acting this way. One guy told her “well Mia look can you blame him?”. Me being me , I didn’t hold a grudge and we were cool by the time the year ended. 

This gave me much needed confidence to speak to other women, and again find out who was in my corner and who was laughing behind my back after I sent Mia those roses. I met Dirt Dolla and his crew (they were my residents after all), Rashad, Wafeeq and several others I knew were for real. I also met Mario but he has just transferred from Carolina and was mostly attached to his girlfriend (now wife). Looking back, I know now why some people act two faced at Homecoming now. They were fake then and more fake now. 

So yes junior year ended up going well academically, socially and somewhat romantically. I even got into spoken word in the Spring Semester, adding more confidence, especially as a public speaker. 

I was riding high heading into my final year at the WU. Now was my time to put it all together and gear up for adulthood. 

#imjustdrew

OK taking a pause for the 4th of July and my birthday. But before I do, I would like to shoutout more friends that have been there for me and have connected well with me. 

Bryan Hullender: 

We met in second grade, played football together and were in a lot of honors classes together. Years went on and we didn’t speak a lot. However, we have gotten more in touch over the years as he has been a big help to myself and my family far as us having a venue for our annual family reunion. He is simply a pleasure to be around and talk to. 

Gregory Jones: 

Greg and I have been cool for about 14 years. As his travels as a law student and lawyer have put distance between us, we still stay in touch. He has always been there for me when I needed him, and is very understanding and caring. His intelligence and sincerity have made him a great friend. I wish him well in his professional endeavors. 

Danny Peeler: 

Danny’s father and my grandpa knew each other, plus we worked together at Robert Allen for many years. He’s the type of guy that’s always down to go grab a bite to eat or catch a movie. He’s also a Green Bay Packers fan and is always giving of himself, not expecting anything in return. He has given me and others much throughout the years and has a down home, Southern humility that wouldn’t allow him to act otherwise. 

Bobby Jefferies: 
I also worked a long time at RA with Bobby J. We worked in three different departments together, plus we share our love for sports and other topics. He is an awesome son, friend, brother and husband. I’m glad he believes in keeping in touch. He’s a hard worker and a good guy that keeps things loose. Those who know him should feel blessed.

Antoine Key: 

Antoine was one of the first people I met at Amazon. He and I are a lot alike, as we both love movies, the Knicks and Tarheels, and talk about intellectual topics. Antoine is a deep thinker and an overall good guy. He sets goals and dreams, and goes after them. He’s helping me to pursue some of my own. 

Alex Said

He’s simply an awesome guy who I met through Shaylan and Tim. He throws awesome parties and has become my MMA/UFC buddy. I admire him as a person, father and husband. 

Thanks fellas and don’t worry ladies and others, I have another piece for you all! 

#imjustdrew