imjustdrew

I’m back after getting a vacation for the first time since last June. My body and mind are recharged, physically and mentally, and I’m ready for more blogs, vlogs and articles. 
First of all, I would like to shout out the good female friends in my life. These ladies  (and their mates) have really been there for me. From listening to my whining to helping me when it comes to other women, they have been there. Some of them are very honest with me also and I like that. 

Terence and Twila Mosley Hoskins: 

I have known both for about 17 years. They are a very fun loving, socialable couple. They are there for you whether throwing an awesome party and making sure you really enjoy yourself, or helping you out with career advice. Also, they have simply not forgotten what it means to be friends through marriage, children and other life changes. 

Brandy Byers: 

I probably talk to Brandy more than I do most females that didn’t give birth to me. B is always ready to lend a listening ear, and is one of the most honest people I know. She lets me know how she feels, and is always a comforting person to be around. Don’t worry Brandy, the grass is cut and there will be no mayo lol! 

Monica Prysock Miller: 

Monica is one of my oldest friends overall, 22 years strong. I don’t see her as much as I would like, but we have been working on that. She wants to make sure I stay a part of her life, and me the same. I couldn’t be happier that she has become more fit (one of my inspirations) , found her king and married him, and is having a baby soon. Monica is undoubtedly a special person. 

Rodney and Keia Davidson: 

Rodney and I worked together at RA for a few years. He and his wife Keia are cool, honest and caring. They expect those around them to be the same, no half stepping. Both believe in family and keeping in touch and appreciating folks while they are here. They have been written about before and probably will again. Shoot they may be the next couple I spotlight on FB. 

Teya Robinson:  

Teya has been an awesome person to talk to, and a great prayer partner and good for career advice. She is not ashamed to acknowledge someone in public and is simply a special, spiritual person. Teya is one of my go to sources I hit up during times of crisis and she comes through. 

Carolyn D. Benton: 

Carolyn is hands down one of the most intelligent, sweet and loyal friends I have. She is always down to talk, hang out or work out together (we will get that one in). She is very caring and family oriented also. She embodies much of my #imjustdrew movement as she takes friendships seriously, and is very passionate about her career and her beliefs. She has simply been a joy to be around and know. 

Bryna Sansing: 

Bryna, like her brother Thomas, has become like family to me over the years. She has made me feel very welcome in her family, and helps out her friends, family (parents, siblings and nieces/nephew) however she can. Bryna, know that you are liked and loved, and the trouble doesn’t last always! 

Precious Shumpert: 

Precious embodies her first name in every way one can, and has helped myself and my mother out so much. She has also become an awesome schoolteacher and now has found love. Yet she still remains loyal to the important people around her. She has a huge heart and is on full display quite regularly.

Georgia Smith: 

It’s funny the bonds you make at your job. Georgia is another RA friend of mine. We have had long deep conversations. We make time to touch base, even when we both are working odd days and hours. She is very happy most of the time, and just has such an infectious spirit about her. I’m very blessed she’s in my life. 

Sheena Bell: 

One of my old work buddies from RA also, Sheena may seem spoiled and outspoken. She is actually one of the most caring and giving people I know. Like myself, she has a quick mouth and a joking nature. But as a church bishop and minister of music, she simply wants to show her love towards the Lord and make others happy. She also lets you know when she isn’t happy! 

Now for some reason if you felt I omitted you, charge it to my head and not my heart ladies. I care for many people and I value loyalty. Perhaps I can include you in another edition. 
#imjustdrew

The #imjustdrew movement continues. This is a perfect time to talk about something many struggle with: making friends during a new school year (or even new school). It can be a scary and challenging experience. Being that I have been there and have had to start over, I can assist with some of you heading back to school.

1.Plan to get involved. 

This is the easiest way to talk to people, make connections and find common interests. Join some clubs, play a sport, or even participate in a community service project. 

2. Sit somewhere different in your school cafeteria. 

You can broaden your horizons and make yourself known. Don’t be afraid to genuinely chime in on a lunchtime conversation. 

3. Connect with classmates via social media

This can be good for study groups, comparing notes and just keeping in touch. You get more of an idea how they are outside of class. 

4. See what people are doing after class and on the weekend. 

If it’s your scene, be open to a social or simply hanging out. It could just be going to Waffle House after the football game. Show folks that you wanna be sociable, but don’t force yourself on anyone. 

5 . Be friendly and smile. 

It never hurts nor cost a thing to be nice. Simply be cool and genuine and I promise you will find your people, or at least that person. 

Any other suggestions on how you have made friends in the past? 
#imjustdrew

My time as a WU student was winding down. I spent yet another summer working on campus, was going to spend my final semester simply on classes and fun, no extracurriculars. 

The semester before, I met some of my friends for life that I still hang with occasionally. I finally had a group of friends that kept it real and embraced the fact that I do the same. They were the Royal Fam (later the Good Ole Boys). Formed by Mario Washington, I was introduced to them through Marcus and Mario knew me from being around campus. We had several guys in our circle that came and went. Some of the mainstays were Que Kittles, Troy, Horace, Jungle, Rashad (he became down the same reason I did: the crew respected his realness and own sense of style), Wafeeq, Simon, and Jesef. Mario would have younger folk come aboard later. However, these were the original ones, that helped formed and create “The Royal Palace” , a radio show which aired every Wednesday night at 9pm on the campus radio station. Many of us didn’t have a lot of money or even cars. We would go out occasionally to eat, movies, parties, or simply stay in and play cards and talk trash. It felt good to have friends I could depend upon and had my back. 

I have no real regrets about my WU years as a student: they were phenomenal. I became more of a man, made numerous connections and got to experience life. I have had some fun times since I finished 16 years ago. It’s hard to measure up to the WU days. I don’t remember every class I took, or every grade I received. I do remember all of the fun times I had in the Rock. Whenever I go back, it’s home to me..

My #imjustdrew journey continues and is ongoing. However, I wanted to highlight some of the key moments growing up that shaped me the most. Stay tuned for more stories about my social growth, and that of others as well. Also, tune into my Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/drewhouse74 for my vlogs. In have found another audience with those and am working my public speaking muscle again. Stay tuned as I have plenty left in my movement. 

#imjustdrew

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

I enjoyed my first year of college and away from home so much I couldn’t wait to get back to Rock Hill for my sophomore year. It was one of the first times in my life that I felt accepted and fully comfortable in an environment and atmosphere.

That being said, I still needed to find my people, or even my person.

I had made some good friends my first year, and many more my sophomore year. I was getting involved more on campus, getting into leadership positions, going to conferences and appreciating the campus more. I was going home less on weekends also so that helped.

Many students at WU had various ways and reasons to make friends and getting involved. It ranged from where they sat in the cafeteria (The Cafe) or who they hung with on Thursday nights. Either way, you had to find your own path. I believe I was slowly finding mine.

That path for me was mostly Residence Life. I was involved in most every aspect you could be during my WU years: Hall Council, Resident Student’s Association, and then I was named to be a Resident Assistant for my junior year. This would be an important position with lots of responsibility that would shape and mold me.

#imjustdrew

OK now the wait was over! It was August 17, 1996, and I was beginning my new life in Rock Hill, SC on the campus of Winthrop University. It was truly a different world, and more diverse, thus easier for me to make friends from all walks of life.

I didn’t have a roommate that year has mine moved out within a week. I had to get adjusted to a new schedule, environment, city, culture and schedule, whew! I went home a lot more at first and I missed my family and hometown so much.

However, the more involved I got, the better it was. I met so many people that year, and really ended up liking it. Many make fun of my country accent (which I didn’t realize was so thick prior), but I was still social. I made some good friends and connections, and followed some paths that would pay off later.

By the time the end of the Spring 1997 semester came, I didn’t want to go home. I then wanted to make a plan to stay on campus or in town as much as possible,…

#imjustdrew

I figured I would take some time out before I began telling you all about my life post Blacksburg High School to shoutout the folks that I have grown close to over the years, and have been friends with me. This list is much longer than I ever imagined, and some on this list are no longer with us.

Bill Moore:

He’s my longest friend of 33 years, my dude, brother from another mother. We were friends all throughout school, and took different paths in life. However, we have always picked back up where we left off.

Shaylan Morrison:

He was my second friend and we have been friends for over 30 also. We weren’t as close as we grew older and both moved out of Blacksburg. But he and I have grown closer again, and I like how I never have to doubt where I stand with him.

Rob Lecroy:

Lecroy and I have had our ups and downs throughout the years but we have stayed in touch. We have unique bonds as our moms both have the same birthdays as each other, and his youngest son’s middle name is “Andrew”. We get up a couple of times/year and “medicinal purposes” (insider) are often involved. 

Darrius Hoey:

Darrius became a guy I looked up to as he was cool, suave and charistimic. Most know him for his athletic prowess and talents such as tumbling, dancing and singing. But his loyalty has been second to none. He has always been there for me just at that right time.

Jarvis Jefferies:

We met in Upward Bound in high school. He was a star football player for Gaffney High, and always made everyone feel good around him. He knew how to treat others despite his joking, reckless nature. It’s been almost 14 years since he and I spoke on the phone. We had planned to get up. About two months later, he was murdered in Shelby, NC. I still miss him terribly.

Tim Brown:

Tim was another I met in high school. He moved and then returned to Blacksburg. He was a big listening ear for me when I was going through my growing pains and heartbreaks. We once again went our separate ways but then reunited via social media. I then saw him for the final time on New Year’s Eve 2012. He passed away about a month later. Such a special guy and my muse.

Marcus Austin: 

I was as close to Mark as I am anyone. That dude was one of the best people I have known. He didn’t let his disability limit him, and he was always helping and encouraging folks. To this day, when I feel down or that I don’t measure up, I think of Marcus. That guy was simply awesome, and I’m grateful I had the time I did with him.

Nino Walker:

One of my first friends at WU, we stayed close for years until he left school. We then reconnected a few years back and I got to see him recently at Homecoming. He is still one of the most intelligent guys I know, and I’m glad he lives closeby again.

Chris Farmer:

Former next door neighbor, coworker, and one of the funniest guys I know. I could pick up the phone now and call him and he would have me laughing within minutes. He has one of those personalities that just makes you feel at ease. He may be 3,000 miles away, but we have made the effort to stay in touch.

Andrew Dean:

We both had the same major in college, and were even roommates after school. He’s as intelligent and loyal as they come. We bonded over family, sports, and careers. He lives outside of Seattle with his 10 year old daughter, being a single dad like his father before him. He’s been a good friend to me throughout the years and very helpful.

Rashad Newson:

Another brother from another mother and someone I have had great times with. He’s also been my coach during my brief competitive eating career, and I was a groomsman in his wedding. We both have crazy schedules, but we still get together a couple times/year.

Mario Washington:

This guy has slowly become one of the closest guys to me. He really loves who is around and doesn’t trust many folks. He has taught me a lot of things and encourages all to speak their mind. He is a good listening ear and very protective of those he loves.

Troy Gardner:

He and I haven’t hung out as much but we are in the same circle and talk more as we get older (it seems I do more of the talking since he’s so quiet). But he’s a good guy despite our differing sports allegiances and has awesome taste in music. He’s one of those you know automatically that you all are cool.

Bubba Wilson:

Bubba and I have known each other throughout school, and our mothers were even cool. However, we didn’t get really close until high school was almost over. Now as we have grown older, we both speak our minds more and he is 100% honest on any matter. I’m blessed to know this guy. 

Thomas Sansing:

Thomas and his entire family have pretty much taken me in as one of their own. I played football with Thomas, and we became cool again when I moved back to Blacksburg. He has always made me feel welcome, especially when he ran his own collectible shop and helped run the family restaurant. He’s married with three daughters now and has a hectic work schedule. However, I see him at family functions and birthday parties that his family throws, and all is cool. I’ve been blessed to know them.

I will do another piece later on highlighting more friends. I really don’t wanna leave out anyone, as all have made me a better man, and helped out in my journey.

#imjustdrew

It was almost over!!! More social, better grades, some more respect, but still less popular.

I was just reminded today how bad cliques can be and how I was left out of a lot of fun activities mostly due to pettiness and shear jealously. The bullying was behind me. Now the behavior I experienced was mostly like that from the movie “Mean Girls”.

It was no nevermind. Things were already looking up. I finally got my driver’s license, and had decided I was going to Winthrop University in the Fall of 1996, all was paid for. My grades were excellent, and my test scores were good. I simply had to sit back and roll with the punches.  I knew I wasn’t one of those kids who was getting a brand new car for graduation or going to the beach Senior Week. It was cool because I finally felt confident in myself.

Prom was awesome. I ended up taking a good lady friend and we had a blast. Dinner, a couple of dances, and then home by 11. Short and simple.

Then graduation day came. Many were sad. I was happy high school was over and I was moving on to a different world.

Goodbye Blacksburg, hello Rock Hill!

#imjustdrew