The Journey

B.O.W.S. (Believing in Outreach for Women's Success) was only a thought, a dream or even a weak attempt to want to do something important. Something so important that other lives could depend on it. I was challenged to make something out of an experience that I participated in at Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference. My idea came out as a creeping fog; scary and unknowing. I thought of a mentoring program for young women. This program was going to consist of CHANGING LIVES. That's all I knew at that point. I wanted to do it but I wasn't sure how I was going to do it. My director simply said, "DO IT!".  It took a moment for me to process it. Me, Xandrea Rhodes; will plan, coordinate and pull off this mentoring program. The only thing I could think off at that moment was, "What did I get myself into?". It was long over due though, I had a voice and I needed to use it. I knew what I was capable of and it was my time to shine.So I started the process, it took me a while to figure out what I really want this program to be and the audience I wanted to reach. After numerous discussions with professionals I realized that the demographics in the surrounding area did not particularly support my program but I was not deterred. I talked to probation officers and judges in the area that led me in the right direction. Conversations with them gave me more knowledge about the situation and the needs of the community. After I gathered all I needed, I started to do preliminary calls to schools in the area to see if they would be interested in the organizations. I received positive interest so I begin meeting with school officials. My excitement to see my dream become a reality was overwhelming, we didn't have any girls at this point but I was just excited to see interest. After the school officials accepted the program, then I went to work on getting the girls to be interested in the program. I decided the best approach is to actually go up to the schools and talk to the girls. Going up to the schools was amazing, to see the girls, them asking questions, and actually wanting to be apart of this program reiterated that I was doing the right thing. During all of this the leaders and I were having weekly meetings and a Leader Retreat. I can honestly say I was so nervous because I wanted this program to mean as much to them as it does to me. I wanted to give them something to believe in. My main goal for the meeting and retreat was not only to prepare the leaders but to also peer mentor them and give them a chance to learn from all of us. One of the leaders actually had a conversation that she was tearing up at a meeting because she felt that every leader was here for a reason and that we are all meant to be here.Let's just say it was a success and went way better then I imagined. (Fast-Forward) We ended up with 13 registration of girls wanting to come to B.O.W.S., we wanted 30 but 13 was just enough for me. It is now the day before the conference, my nerves are out the roof and I only want it to be nothing less than perfect. We have done everything possible to prepare for this, I could only hope for the best. The day is over, the day was filled with dedication, hard work, beautiful stories and change. This day could have not gone any better. Only 7 out of the original number showed up but that is all were needed. Everyone that was there was meant to be there. This experience has changed my life forever. I grew professionally and personally. I have never achieved anything that great before, if  I could do it again. I would!