It's been a minute since I've posted anything. School is crazy busy so this could be the first and last post for a little while. Once I get some free time, I'll update more!!
Uhm, but back to the point of this particular post.
A year ago today, one of the most influential people of the Native American community, and also my role model lost her battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
A year ago today, Wilma Mankiller left this world and is still greatly missed.
I had the distinct honor and privilege of spending time with her at a Constitution Day seminar where I wrote this reflection:
The month of September 2009 was a month full of memories. One memory that will forever be stuck in my heart was Constitution Week 2009. It all began when Bacone College’s Student Senate sponsored an essay contest in honor of the Constitution Week that centered on the Essence of a Supreme Court Justice. I decided to enter with little to no expectations of placing because I am both trained and experienced in poetry. I went ahead and wrote the essay, and then soon forgot about it. A week later, the director of Student Senate pulled me out of class to tell me I had received first place and to give me the formal invitation to the Constitution Day seminar that was going to be held that Thursday.
That day finally arrived on a cool morning. My best friend and I were in my dorm room to get ready for the much anticipated event. We ventured to Wacoche Hall where the day’s events were going to be held. We were both asked to dress professionally because former Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O’Connor was supposed to be in attendance. However, due to a conflict with her flight, she was unable to attend. In her place, as a bittersweet surprise, Wilma Mankiller was sitting at the table where we were placed. The feeling of seeing a woman of her stature as well as having a very deep level of respect and admiration for, as well as a strong sense of intimidation was just a feeling of being awestruck. My friend and I walked across the room to the table to meet with her and to talk with her before the seminar began. She was one of the most down-to-earth and humble people I have ever met.
When it finally came time for the essay readings, I went up to read mine to see Wilma smiling at me from where she was sitting. After the second essay was read, it was time to for the food to be served. I was so nervous because I had a plate of chicken strips, egg rolls, and meatballs. I also had four forks. It was safe to say that my friend and I were both very intimidated because Wilma had to show us the “proper” way to eat an egg roll, which is to cut a slit in the middle, eat the filling first, and then cut the coating into small pieces and eat it last.
Wilma Mankiller was the ultimate role model. She taught me many things that day. She showed me to never let being Native American or a woman stop me from going for my dreams. I feel very blessed that I got to share that day with her. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
The last time I met with Ms. Mankiller was at Bacone College Founder's Day which took place 2 weeks before her death.To be frank, she looked like death warmed over. I can only imagine what it took for her to come to support the College and to celebrate the accomplishments of said educational institution the past 130 years.
Here we are now, 1 year later and the lessons that she taught me still stand true. I never got the chance to tell her this but the things she taught me from having lunch and even taking the great lengths to show up in what was obvious great pain and suffering was this:
As was stated earlier, she taught me that even though I am a minority on three counts:
I am a Native American, even though I tend to disown or not claim my heritage
I am a Christian, and we are quickly becoming an unfortunate minority
I am a woman and I live in a male-dominated world.
She overcame so many obstacles and so much adversity to become the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation and I will always remember as we were leaving Wacoche Hall, she hugged me and said
"Give my love and greetings to your mother. Also, remember this..You, my dear, will be what makes or breaks this world. Always remember where you came from and your roots. Above all else, remember to NEVER allow being a minority stand in your way from what you want out of life."
I can only hope and pray that I make her proud by going at my dreams and plans with all that I have and stopping at nothing to see those dreams and plans fulfilled.
Wilma:
I know that you are loving spending infinite time with grandma and I know that you are watching over me and the Native American community that you helped pave the way for. I can only hope that when my time comes, I can come a close second to being as great of an influential leader like you were.
I miss and love you each and every day. The memories I have will forever stay with me and I have you to thank for that. :-)
Well, that's about it.
Peace out, Girl Scout!
Bye!!
:-) Sarah :-)
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