After much debate, I decided to join the club and become a member of the blogging community. Certainly, I’ve been reading friends and mentors’ blogs for long enough, most of the time truly appreciating the thought provoking ideas they bring to the table. Before I created this very-public-Journal of sorts, I wanted to make sure I had a valid purpose: are my ideas original? Will they resonate within others in ways so many posts have resonated within me? I guess it’s a risk I’ll (willingly) have to take.

My justification in creating this was much clearer after a conversation I had with family members two weeks ago in Chicago. It is three-fold.

• Why, questioned my aging Aunt and Grandma, would people want to publicize – and on such a regular basis – any and every aspect of their lives. Granted, there is little monetary or material gain to be had in blogging. Rather, I imagine, the gain of respect from peers and strangers based on the quality of my ideas, is much more rewarding.
• These are thoughts I have had for months and years. Though I’ve never been ultimately successful at keeping a journal (for like a month in second grade, it had a key and everything), I always feel completely relaxed and in touch with myself after expressing my ideas – in any medium.
• Finally, A class I am taking on the History of the 60’s has been spending a lot of time discussing the impact and importance of the individual, specifically on the Civil Rights Movement. The feeling of empowerment that young black individuals had as they participated in sit-ins and bus boycotts must have been overwhelming. The concept that one voice can make a difference was truly the fuel of the 1960’s.

Just a few reasons. I don’t plan on starting movements (though I will likely complain about them). I’m just ready to be heard. To join in the fray of voices.

We’ll see where it goes. Wish me luck.