Amanda Ebokosia at Miss New Jersey USA 2010;
Right after her evening gown competition
Amanda Ebokosia attends Essence Young Women's Leadership Conference
CURRENT PROJECTS!:
THE AE JOURNAL
UPDATE TIP: View website updates: (HERE)*Next Entry--TBA Note: Main domain is AMANDAEBOKOSIA.COM
Friday, February 12, 2010
Innovation is promising, Welcome it!
Innovation is promising."Out of the box thinking" is what keeps companies afloat and most dreams alive. If I were to choose a word for many up and coming entrepreneurs, or simply individuals trying to keep dreams alive, it would be innovation.
Innovators plant seeds to tomorrow's next big thing. Innovators nourish the seeds to translate yesterday's intangibles to today's successes. - A. Ebokosia
Being an innovator is not easy. It requires reasonable risk and a tremendous amount of work. Before there was a success, there was always a failure. I am yet to find anyone who cannot couple the two. In order to achieve desirable results, there must be trials to overcome and conquer.
A reasonable risk is a sacrifice that you can make that will later positively affect you. The benefits should outweigh the losses, the losses are usually the time spent to achieve your goals.
With today's ailing economy some may say, "it's bad business for big business." I say, It's a chance to get budding entrepreneurs into the game of success. It's a time that risk is appropriate and also a time for creative juices to flow.
It's not odd to read, "Laid off single mother opens an online boutique for children and strikes gold," as a news headline today. The greatest success stories of entrepreneurship often deal with immense pressure and the ability to plant unique seeds into a vision.
During the holidays my mom gave me a 2010 calendar. I honestly preferred that than anything else.
It helps to physically write events down from pen to paper rather than typing them out on a computer or phone--sometimes.
For those who know me, being simple in thought or practice does not work for me. I remember when I did a documentary in Brooklyn by Dennis Bellone, I was told-- "You're that type of woman who just has to do something. He went on to advise me that I should just wake-up without anything to do.
Translation--- Meditate do that, or just people watch one day at the park. My bestie told me about "people watching."
Perhaps he is right--- but for now-- I am going to say, " Pass the schedule please." I am 23 and there are so many things I am yet to do. There are so many heights I am yet to climb and there are so many unmentionables I am yet to bury deep within my heart.
"AE QUOTE: Be the Picasso of your portrait called, Life. Let each stroke be strong and confident. In the end your masterpiece will be extraordinary. -EBOKOSIA"
I suppose being busy has its perks? Check list of issues equates to blessings
I suppose being busy has its perks? Yes it does. I am sitting here with issues that others may glance at as being blessings. I suppose I should take my issues as blessings and react to them as such, praise and give thanks.
God is good.
My issues (blessings in disguise):
booking a trip to see my lovely family
figuring out if I should take a proposal to go to London early spring-- for a shoot!
wondering if I should paint this wall-- w/o knowing if I'll be accepted to go to a medical school out of state, if God plans it that way-- If I get accepted this cycle-- let us pray.
figuring out an article to write for this company about relationships-- it's been 7 days since my last one! This is how I make some money as a writer, besides this website
Wondering when I'll upload all my work for The Gem Project and get things back up to my "order" of business for 2010
following up for a possible researcher position for interview no.3 I hope, for brain cancer research--- my life's dream, well besides being a neurologist one day
Planning to meet new and old friends before the break of 2010
Being a better Christian than I was yesterday, you shall never rob me of mistakes--- I will make plenty-- I'll just try to do the "right" thing
I want to try to be the best in all that I do. Honestly, I am quite disappointed sometimes-- I am an odd sort off perfectionist, my mind is a circus yet I want order in my surroundings. Funny.
Life is a muffin-- I just can't seem to taste it-- I've found myself walking through it with a cold. I fear it has robbed me of my senses to indulge in the satisfaction of that muffin. A cold.
I love life. I get bogged down with it all, but I CAN'T seem to shake off being busy. I suppose I won't even try, I was born this way--- I can imagine when everything is said and done---- I'd leave this world shaking in my bones.
Be powerful always my love.
AE QUOTE: Key to Power: Being able to utilize and master all pertinent outlets for your mission-- don't be limited to just one.
At a time where playful tugs became love taps-- I transformed into an innovator
<< Image: A very young Amanda A. Ebokosia
If I could sit back and step outside the box of my life, it would most likely parallel a Lifetime series. I'm certain that I am not the only one, who would describe their life in this way. Life is so precious-- I was so fortunate to see this as a young ten year-old gal, who was clad with a purple trench coat that had dazzling pink buttons. "This" 10 year-old gal was captivated by the world around her-- inquisitive much? Yes. "This" 10 year-old gal would climb hills and fill her red lunch box with ants and millipedes--- and run home and turn into a scientist for the day. "This" 10 year-old gal would lay on her back on the pavement outside of her school backyard to watch the beautiful cloud formations in the sky. "This" 10 year-old gal was I.
I dreamed without limitations then-- as I do so now.
What did I see in these cloud formations? rabbits, houses, beaches, my family, & everything I ever desired.
I saw it all, my visions of life. I had tunnel vision. This was a vision that most girls my age were not quite picking up on. Their body's were changing-- and they were noticing guys. I wasn't really interesting in such things then.
Well, what does this have to do with today? Everything.
Life was just one big puzzle back then. I don't think life will ever stop being a puzzle quite frankly. There was only one thing that I was sure of. It was that I should remain focused in what interested me, despite what others were doing--even if I was not considered to be in the norm. Who is normal anyway?
Now I'm reflecting on a conversation that I had with a good friend of mine, who was dismayed with the negative energy she was receiving with her newly acclaimed success. I started referencing the 48 Laws of Power, which has an interesting passage about friendship & business. In summation, we discussed how the higher an individual climbs up the pyramid of success-- the less persons they would have to befriend in the process.
A person can have several associates but it's highly unlikely that a they would become friends--close friends with each one. In fact, I discussed research findings about the complications of femaleplatonic relationshipsover (here).
We concluded several things in this conversation, here are the results:
Don't take negative energy personal from associates or people who you thought were your friends. Reason: All the energy you're spending time worrying about what they are saying, can be harnessed to fuel you or your projects.
Negative energy comes from within. It is toxic when you hear it. The person releasing it is also toxic. Therefore, be upset for only one thing-- that this person is not happy with their own current situation-- it has nothing really to do with you. Reason: Negative energy is like a cancer-- if it spreads it captures-- you must win the battle.
People will do wrong by you, there is no secret to this-- we are all human. Don't take it personally -- focus and flip the switch that turns that tunnel vision on.Reason: When you focus and pay attention to what matters most, you'll attain your goals a lot faster. Don't waste precious time.
PART:I My time at MISS NJ USA 2010 Pageant & Info about the LFM Series Film: "Model Walk" - airs for the rest of the season
I am going to discuss an event that occurred several days ago. I'm also taking the time to talk about one of the films I had the honor of being featured in earlier this summer.
First I would like to say, "I really should be checking my PO BOX a lot more". I originally bought a PO BOX to separate business mail from my personal mail, but when your PO BOX is in a whole other town, you're less likely to check it as often as you should. Well, shortly before my trip to Alaska I received a letter from Donald Trump. I am sure several young women know what I am talking about. It was a letter to apply to hopefully participate in this year's Miss New Jersey USA 2010 Pageant! This must have been the second time in my entire lifetime that I received such a notice.
The first time was during my freshman year of college when I was pretty much engrossed in my pre-medical classes, I could not find the time to raise sponsorship and get involved in it. Now this time around I was receiving this notice as a college graduate who has already completed her Medical School applications and was hungry for some excitement. I whispered to myself my famous words, "Why NOT?". I could write a novel as to why I wanted to participate in this pageant. It goes far beyond the scope of being just a "beauty pageant". There is beauty beyond the physical layers of what we see. Let me explain.
It is not my job to find out why many don't understand my motives, place, or "the big picture" of all things that I wish to do, see, and conquer. It is my job in becoming the woman who I desired to be at 8, 18, and now 23. The woman who I envisioned to become: powerful, bright, worldly, & articulate. It is my JOB to at least attempt to partake in activities that would foster growth and help me blossom into that woman. I saw it with this pageant.
Do you know what it's like to campaign in less than a few weeks for over $1k, after coming from a trip like Alaska?
It's tough. There are a few barriers that need to be broken for one. You have to let go of all insecurities you may have. The strongest women have them too, this I know for sure. You have to believe you deserve it! You must walk, breathe, talk as if you do. Raising sponsorship is garnering support and believers in everything that you do! I decided to try my best to avoid family & friends for monetary donations. I raised the bulk of it through small businesses.
It changed me.
I don't know what it was really. It could have been going to that famous Thai spot that I often frequented, the doctor offices I often passed, or riding up to cities I rarely visited but soon found hidden treasures.
It changed me.
I suppose what changed me most was needing to raise my last stick of $300 the day before the competition. I called a best friend in a panic. I believe I said to her ," I think I just found my own "Audacity of Hope" moment". Before I get "the eye brow raiser", I will explain it with a question.
Have you ever found yourself in a pretty hopeless situation? While the only thing that is fueling you is your desire to be apart of something so great that you could almost taste it? Well, that's all I felt during the evening on the 15th ( the day before the pageant). I felt that way in my "let's bring it ensemble" 4 inch heels and a knee length gray pleated dress by Calvin Klein's --- in the midst of terenchal rain. YES. It was raining DOGS and ELEPHANTS that night. I just about visited 3 towns in New Jersey and spent about 4 hours campaigning to just come up short with 300 left.
What happened? I regrouped. That's what happened. I repositioned my thoughts and approach. Once I did that I was able to make the phone call.
"Hello?"
Yes, Pageant Headquarters..
"This is Amanda, and I suppose I will be able to make it. Just raised the last bit"
Well, it was something along those lines.
The best thing that I did get from this situation besides meeting amazing people, was a new outlook. I've always knew what it was like to witness compassion directly with my not-for-profit and the funds we helped raised for organizations such as American Cancer Society & Autism Speaks.
It was "refreshing" to see it all again, it was rewarding to find total strangers believe in me and support me in attempting to have my own opportunity.
In the end, it was all about opportunity and a chance--- to live out a dream.
Congrats Cheona Greene: Miss New Jersey USA 2010
I leave you with a short clip. Also, check the link below to READ MORE about a film which aired today and I think runs every other Monday for this season--which I am featured in.
PS:The title for this entry was a phrase from our opening number song by Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling"
I recently just canceled my appearance as a guest speaker on a panel televised recording.It was for the Model Walk show.It's for a program documentary set to air this October on Colours TV, provided by the Dish Network, on channel 9407. For those that don't have DISH, please visit www.colourstv.org, to view your state's local channel. I simply wanted to put in more study hours and practice exam time for my MCATS. As much as I love my work here, you just have to learn your limits. I'm averaging about 6 hours a day with studies. It does not mean anything if you're not doing several practice exams. I need to up it from once a week to three practice exams--of course studying 7 days a week.
"Like people say, Work hard or go home!"
My apartment has been piled up high in newspapers from the Star Ledger to my favorite, New York Times. I have been trying to make an effort in reading the papers I purchase. I leave early to the library and come back real late. I know you wonder why do I even bother to keep yesterday's news. Well, I have this idea that I would find the time to read up on it.
"Besides, what's learned from yesterday will help you conquer tomorrow."
Celebrate your week well & this was intended to be short, I'll post Monday-- enjoy it.
Talk is cheap if you can't walk the walk--the production has started with Stancil
Live your best life your way and forget about what others think-success is only hindered when you follow other dreams that are not your own.
The above photo was taken on one of the my many early morning runs outside. I am so happy to wake up to that beautiful sky every morning. I almost forgot how running makes me feel. I get the most pleasant feelings from running. It is the one moment where my mind is completely at rest and at one with nature. I excel-inhale-smile and repeat ( More about my fitness cycle please continue: {Click here to _Divatude}). This has been the busiest 36 hrs of life I had in a while.I am studying for my MCATS and taking part in two productions of film--so exciting. This past Saturday the filming for Model Walk started. The show will air this October on Colours TV ( they have local channels for every state) and on the DISH network -9407.
The shows has first recording was a runway fashion show in Midtown Manhattan by Columbus Circle. It consisted of four different looks! Urban Street,Twin,Preppy, and Haute Couture. I wanted to add my own flair to it so I went to a few places to get my own accessories. A friend of my requested that I go to a spot called Culture Couture.
It was a very cute shop that had a lot of modern to vintage type looks. I have been fallen for printed leggings lately, so I grabbed a few pairs for my own enjoyment. I made sure that I also tapped this cute cupcake spot called , "Jimmy's__________", forget the rest.It was almost as good as Crumbs, a cupcake spot located at Bryant park in NY.
My life tastes good and so does yours, you just have to season it just right with the proper ingredients to provide nourishment and fulfillment. During the recording I had the chance to bond with a few of my cast members, Krissie Judd and her friend Kenitha. During break, I asked if they would like to attend a go-see with me at Bourgeoisie Shoes. We had an adventure that day! We kept saying, "Greg really needs to have filmed our own mini journey here ". Aside from my close friends I never would have thought that I would have so much fun with a group of ladies who I barely knew. I am looking forward in a beautiful friendship and a wonderful production at Model Walk. I am itching to discuss the events which occurred on Sunday and Today--but I will leave that for tomorrow. For now, I will leave you with this photo which was taken this past Sunday while in New York.
Lastly, Live your best life-- you are the actor to your own play. Have fun and enjoy today because tomorrow is not granted. Dream BIG-- see BIG --love BIG-- receive BIG...BE BIG-THINK BIG
I've been feeling so alive these past few days . I am sticking to my exercise routine, studying for my exam, and slowly becoming a real morning person. I had hit up the track today with the typical eight laps, my Rutger's hoodie was slightly drenched from the light rain earlier today. The geese always make it to the track first while I am left dodging their poop while I run. It is funny just a couple of days ago the track looked like this:
I tell my friends these days I have been guilty of loving myself a little too much. After Valentine's day I had a new mentality on how I choose to live my life.I doubt that the fact that it was Valentine's day had any real significance. I just felt it was the time where this butterfly came out of her cocoon. I have always been a woman who most times placed her projects and others before herself. Physically it was apparent.. baggy eyes and all. "Girl, you work so hard.. you look really tired". I hated that.Heck, I probably was packing extra clothes under my lids for the plan to skip town, and go on a well needed vacation. This has been the best I have ever looked and felt in years. I have been celebrating every moment as if it was my birthday.
This year is the year of celebration and happiness by doing what you love. I love helping people, it is evident in everything I do. However, how can I help others when I can't help myself. People always say that charity begins at home right? Well, I have been loving myself a lot more than anyone has in a while. The only person who can object to that is my Momma and she loves me unconditionally. I have promised simple things that I will do daily and monthly. Running early in the morning when some are still fast asleep has been on top of my list for a while.
Running for me is like a high(please don't assume I get high literally). I imagine it to be similar to what a hiker feels when they get on top of a mountain and gaze below-absolutely incredible.
I probably had said this in every entry since then:
It is the year of saying YES YES YES.Don't read about it, DO IT. Don't dream about it, FEEL IT.Don't imagine it, BUILD IT.
"The world is ours.. it's our stage.. we are the actors and actresses of our own destiny. Come on people , let's live"
Au Natural:
I've been going natural in spirit, thought, and hair. I am on twitter and I remember a hairstylist who mentioned that honey was good for your hair. I know it may seem shocking at first but trust me organic products are the best way to go. Cleopatra herself used to bathe in honey and milk because she knew of its positive effect.Honey is a humectant, which means that it holds on to water molecules.It is great for moisture and it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties which is also a plus.
I had the chance to try this on a few skin blemishes and my hair. I give it two thumbs up. My blemishes have faded by 50% since using pure honey on them! I also found that my hair was a lot softer.
Anyway for those that doubted honey... Hey honey...give me some honey!
All you need is to put in a little effort--begin to see results!
All you need is to put in a little effort--begin to see results!
Sometimes it is an effort to stay grounded. This is why I make it an effort to have the right friends around me. I find that the company that you choose to keep around you will influence in some degree your actions as well as thoughts. My Personal Quote:When I feel too relaxed, I really start to appreciate the people who I choose to surround myself with. They are people who are ambitious,intelligent, and individuals who continously strive beyond their own expectations. They're not just dreamers--that's when I quickly get back on course.
This year is going by really quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was enjoying the Bahamas with my family in January. I miss them sooooo much sometimes. I consider my family my protection and in some cases my security blanket. This year has been an adventure so far because I am starting life by myself on my own and it is great.After graduation this past May of 2008, I decided to enroll in grad school at Rutgers and take on a few classes. Last semester I worked while taking Advanced Topics of Cognitive Neuroscience: Pain and Pleasure & Systems. I did okay earning an A and B respectively. I enjoyed my class-mates and our discussions. It was such a great experience. Currently, I am taking a kaplan course now and studying for several major exams. Recently, I was choosen to do a documentary in New York which will air on the DISH NETWORK. I will start orientation very soon (3/14/09), I will make an update about it when the time approaches.
I promised to reveal parts of my own vision board from the last entry. Basically a vision board is a board that has clippings of things you wish to do or desire in life. What is the point? Well, for one it acts as a daily remainder of what you plan to do and I feel its great to always have something positive. Here are some snaps:
Pretty Right?, It has a lot of space left.. I don't think it will ever be complete. I also expect my vision board to change as I grow.
This past weekend I went to a friend's party.I wore the aside dress in black ( I may just go back and get it in pink).I never really go out to parties anymore because I am so busy. I did enjoy myself at the China Club a lot I may go again around my birthday *shrugs*. This year has been the year of saying YES YES YES. It has resulted into a much happier "Amanda". Don't get me wrong I can say no. I have found that life is way too short to add a series of WHAT IFS and HOW CAN into my own personal equation of happiness. I rather just subtract those out and enjoy my life my way.
I feel like moving out west or down south sometimes.. when I wake up to this:
Photo was taken outside of my apartment. I wish the sun can come melt it all away. I want to go back to Florida!
