Author: pearson_ality

Last summer, I would stay up well past 2AM most nights. I would sleep on my couch because--from my couch, I can see both doors into my house. I would check at least 5 times to make sure my alarm was set. And then, I would just lay there--terrified and alone.  & then last summer,… Continue reading My Execution Won’t Be Televised…

It was August 14, 2006 when I walked onto Wildcat country for my sophomore year of high school. Bolton Agricultural High School was not such an unfamiliar place this year. This time last year, I was a timid, little, know-nothing, easily impressionable freshmen. But this year was different. With my confidence high, I strutted in… Continue reading Princess Ashley

They’re coming for me...When they come for me,where will you be? They’re coming for ME!When they come for me,who will you be? I lie awake at nightAfter nightAfter nightAfter nightBecause they have a right, right? A right--Because they’re white, right? When they come for me, you’ll fight…,right?You’ll light up the night, right? Fire, flames, &… Continue reading They’re Coming For Me…

I have sat in a lot of meetings since my last run. Whether it is an organization leadership meeting, staff meetings, affinity spaces, or training with my students--I have sat in a lot of meetings. There’s no doubt that a lot of other Black women have also sat in a lot of meetings as well. … Continue reading I sat in a meeting today…

 I am a runner. Sometimes I struggle to identify that way. I struggle saying “I am a runner” for a myriad of reasons--I’m over 200lbs, i’m slow & my fastest mile is only 13:52 (& that’s when i am emotional); i failed at my first ½ marathon; i run intervals (run 3 minutes; walk for… Continue reading See ya on the next run…

I have been going by Pearson since my first few days at The University of Mississippi. If you would like to know why, feel free to ask me or read a previous narrative that I’ve written on my preference.   I don’t go into detail here on why I prefer to be addressed as Pearson… Continue reading Pearson Preferred

The following was published by the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention as a part of the NODA Connect Community Blog. It can be found here: http://www.nodaweb.org/?page=blog_presence  My presence has been the “only” for the majority of my life. I was the only black girl in the majority of my high school classes. I was the only… Continue reading Preserve Your Presence: NODA Blog