The First-Gen Lounge

Behind all of the wins—there have been many days of uncontrollable tears and clouds of unknowns about how I’d come out of such darkness. This has been one of the most difficult and painful years of my life, and I can't say that I’m through the worst of it. In the same breath, the triumphs have been undeniably uncanny, and the depth of my gratitude and joy just cannot be articulated. What I can tell you is to get up and carry on, my love. Trust that the sun will rise again. Remain steadfast and always be thankful. Winning and grieving can coexist. Allow yourself to feel all of it. Happy 1-2-3-1-2-3! 🥂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding oneself at a crossroad is one thing, but knowing exactly which way to go once there is another. Dr. T'Airra Belcher has experienced a number of major life changes and we're excited to chat with her a bit about what to do when faced with making significant pivots. Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We see things. We feel things. We hear things. The answers our questions are always there--the signs are always present. Yet, somehow, we ignore 'em. It happens to the best of us. So, let's talk about why you should be paying attention to the signs. Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change is good. In fact, change is everywhere and happens every day. It can be as major as changing careers or as subtle as taking a different route to work or moving the furniture in your house. I know you already know this, but change is also inevitable and scary. And as humans, we are creatures of habit, so we don’t always like things that mess up our peace and security. But whether you like change or dislike what it does to your life, I believe we need to embrace it. Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Thread, and Facebook @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that a typical human being dreams an average of about 4 to 6 dreams per night? If you can experience at least four dreams a night, why is it that you’re still stuck on that one idea that failed to materialize? How you want your life to look doesn’t have to be constant. Things change, and new passions are discovered daily. Don’t limit yourself to a certain number of objectives just because that’s what society dictates. If you feel like the path you’re currently on is not the right one for you, by all means, change it. The prospect will seem daunting but trust me; you won’t regret it. Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this season, I’m learning to embrace all of Evingerlean, as she is right now, not waiting for a “better” version of her to show up. So, I'm reminding you today to STOP WAITING for later to love yourself and be enough. Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life just be life'in sometimes, don't it? It can be so easy to get caught up in feelings of defeat, wondering if what you're doing is enough, or even trying to make sense of your place in the world. So, I just wanted to stop by to give you a reason (or a few) to keep, keepin', keepin' on... as in, keep pressing forward! Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you ask for life to bring you all of the things that you want... Do you ever ask for the ability to handle it when it arrives? It's important to ask for the capacity for what you've asked for so you won't be out here fumbling. Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's take it back with this one. As we continue to move through the seasons of life, let's not forget to check in with ourselves. What does it mean to you to acknowledge that a truth exists? Once you bring it to your awareness, what do you do with it? Recently, someone shared with Dr. Eve that... Even if you try to act like a truth doesn't exist, that's not going to make it go away. So, let's talk tonight about acknowledging your truth. Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had a hard time saying hard things to people because you were scared of being rejected by them? Listen... It's important for you to know that people who love, respect, and value you make room for both the delightful and unsavory parts of you to show up. Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Question: Are you really doing what you want to do with your life? Not just on the surface level like changing your hair color or eating a sandwich, but... Are you living in such a way that, you look at your life and you're good with it, because you're being all of who you want to be? Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In case no one has told you lately… You’re allowed to evolve. You can need/want something different. You can switch directions/change paths. Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something I was pondering the other day... It'll be moments in life when things will happen, and situations will leave you feeling like you deserve an apology, but you won't get it. I've come to understand that, for every apology that you’ll never get, reconcile/make peace with this tidbit. Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was having a conversation with my best friend, and she said something that absolutely rocked me. For example, she said, "You are worthy of being someone's fantasy." It's been one of those messages that living rent-free in my head, so I couldn't help passing the word along to you.Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was in the kitchen this brewing coffee when Fantasia’s song, Lose to Win, randomly popped in my head. I listened to it and realized the great depth of it that I missed a decade ago. She says, “Sometimes you got to lose to win again.” Beyond what the song was intended, it’s an invaluable lesson for life.Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt like you were loving on people, but they just weren't loving you back? It happens to the best of us, but the thing is that you can't let it harden your heart. Cause, when people come around to truly love on you, the last thing you want to do is resist it. So, let's talk real quick about allowing yourself to receive the love that you deserve. Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was talking to my brother recently, and he said something about being wounded that I couldn't help sharing. So, I'm passing the word along to you. Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Question: What do you do when you find yourself in a new season in life? I was talking to my BFF the other day, and while reflecting to figure out what in the world to talk about for this show, something they said to me about this time of my life quickly came to mind: New Season, New Movements. While you may recognize that things are different, do you give enough thought to who you're supposed to be? If not, now is a perfect time to consider how you should change when the seasons of your life change. Don't forget to get connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was talking to my BFF a few months ago, and they said something to that, at the time, I didn't realize just how much it was going to hit: "Stop sleeping on yourself." Far more often than not, we may find that the things we desire most we'll find on the other side of all that we fear. Perhaps the issue is also that while we know this to be true, we get so caught up in the what-ifs and potential that things can be uncomfortable that we don't go forward. As I've been navigating one of the most challenging and uncomfortable seasons of my life, I am reminded that this is a part of the process and just a small stretch on the journey to something greater. Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all have troubles in our lives. For some of us, the troubles are life-threatening, while it’s not that serious for others. What we can all agree on is that there’s always something. You can start a new week and have problems on Monday morning. Step out of the house and find a problem in your mailbox. As first-gens, overcoming obstacles in life can be pretty complicated. The good news is we all can summon the courage to face them. The even better news is that troubles are like storms. It doesn’t matter how long they last, but they always pass. Be sure to get connect with Dr. Eve on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Y'all remember when "CoCo" popped off and changed the game for us? Globally, we were all upended and trying to make things make sense. Let's take it back to that time with this session. This a throwback and reminder to you that everything is going to work itself out. Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the things about life is determining what's important to you and making an effort to live accordingly. So, as we grow, it's necessary for us to remember that it is up to us to ensure that we figure out what we need to go get it. Be sure to connect with Dr. Eve on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had a stack of papers fall? When they did, what was the first thing that came to mind? Perhaps you were a tad frustrated and/or annoyed. What if there was a lesson in the papers falling that you missed? Don't forget to connect with Dr. Eve on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the things about life is that we can sometimes feel lost and try to find our way. Rather than spending time working to creat ourselves, sometimes it's just better to return to ourselves. Don't forget to connect with Dr. Eve on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you had a question but found yourself frustrated because you just couldn't seem to find the answer? It happens to the best of us. Yet, did you consider that maybe you were overlooking the signs that had been coming to you all along? Let's talk about it. Don't forget to connect with Dr. Eve across all social media platforms @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're throwing it back with this one. I'd been wanting to do a show about being a Black Greek for years. I never really got around to it because, if I’m for real, I hadn’t fully grasped how I wanted to approach it. While there are several angles that I considered, I thought I’d start this conversation focusing on how being first-generation and a member of a Black Greek-letter organization (BGLO) has changed my life. Warning: I'm heavy on the Delta Sigma Theta this in one, but... in my defense... it's J13. (And, so you know now, I've been rounding up a Divine Nine First-Gen Squad because this is just the start of a series of conversations to come.) Don't forget to get connected with me on all LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve talked to a few folks recently, ages 24 - 62, and all of them mentioned putting themselves first. In my time reflecting on the conversations, I found myself realizing a few things when it comes to actually doing so, and I like to share what I discovered with you. Don't forget to get connected with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at @Evingerlean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each year, we commit the last show to being one where we highlight the top 9 sessions of the year; however, we're shaking it up a bit with this one. Life is gone life and that’s one thing we’re all guaranteed, but do yourself a favor... just breathe.Be sure to connect with Dr. Eve on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evehudsonphd/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/evehudsonphd/), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EveHudsonPhD). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life is filled with so many twists and turns. In a world that can sometimes feel so demanding, it's important for us to remove ourselves from the pressure of having things all figured out. So, here is your reminder for the moments that may seem to be just a little too much to take your time. Don't forget to get connected with Dr. Eve on LinkedIn and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we're coming to the close of another year, it’s been a lot going on for many of you lately. From personal lives being challenging to navigate to professional woes that leave you drained by the end of each day. Here's a much-needed reminder from the archives that everything is going to work itself out. Don't forget to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What kind of conversations did you have as a kid about money? With whom did you have these conversations? What have you done, or are you doing, to learn more about money? Knowledge is power and money is important. If a person does not have an understanding of money, how it works, what to do with it, and so forth. I can get why they would feel powerless when it comes to their money and financial wellbeing. I don’t want that someone to be you (or even me for that matter). So, we’re talking about money this week and we have “The Boujie Budgeter,” Mykail James, joining us. We’ll touch on a few things like, as you probably guess, being bougie on a budget, understanding taxes, and dating your money. Don't forget to check out the session notes: https://www.thefirstgenlounge.com/246. Come on over and become a part of The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several times it's been said on the show to trust yourself. However, foundationally, what is trust? It’s like, we know what trust is because we learn it over the course of our lives, but… have we ever really looked at the definition of it? More importantly, what thought have you given to trusting yourself? Do you trust yourself? Kinda or completely? Let's talk about how to trust yourself. Don't forget to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to you to acknowledge that a truth exists? Once you bring it to your awareness, what do you do with it? Recently, someone shared with Dr. Eve that... Even if you try to act like a truth doesn't exist, that's not going to make it go away. So, let's talk tonight about acknowledging your truth. Join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do understand the depths of change? One of the things I know for sure is that you cannot change what you are not willing to face. When you realize that you want something different for your life it requires that you do something different. There is just absolutely no way around it. Rather than seeing the responsibility of what becomes of your life as a burden, as something to be afraid of, realize you are not powerless and there is joy in choosing what comes of your life. Don't forget to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If someone had told me a few years ago that failure was good for me, I swear I’d have straight up told them that they were tripping. However, after many years of failing and succeeding in different goals, I finally understood the positive side of failure. Y'all know that I’m a strong advocate of approaching things from a different viewpoint, and failure is no different. Once you start seeing things from a different perspective, trust me, things will change. Be sure to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlonge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When situations in life come about where you feel like things are falling apart, do you spend more time focusing on what’s “falling apart” or how it’s shaping you? It’s likely that you get stuck on what’s not working out, why things went wrong, or even end up blaming yourself. Challenges are uncomfortable, but they are a natural part of life. Don't forget to join The Kick It Crew at www,thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of the time when we hear about businesses shutting down, it's because something has gone wrong. Perhaps, and foremost, financial issues may be the cause. In other cases, it may be that the trend for that product or service may no longer be. Other reasons can even include that a business was bought out and demolished, or even after years of serving the community, it was decided that it was time to retire and shut the business down. What about businesses that shut down although nothing is wrong? Let's dive in. Don't forget to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As an entrepreneur, when you're determined to make it work, you will. In some cases, the proof of your labor will be evident when folks start tapping you on your shoulder. It's like a mile marker for your success. Entrepreneurship, however, ain't easy. It can be even more challenging as a Black woman when trying to figure out just how to show up. Get the full show notes at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/239. Join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all have our own special way of doing things, but there comes a time when life forces us to start doing things differently. Changing the way we’re used to doing things is like stepping into the twilight, a place where nobody knows what to expect. The problem with this normal way of thinking is that it keeps us safe and that's not always a good thing. Being comforted is fine, feeling comfortable is needed but allowing complacency is where you should draw the line. Be sure to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's take it on back to a time not too long ago, 2021. College is supposed to be, as they say, the best four years of your life. Students get the chance to create new friendships, memories, and experiences. Some cruise through with minimal effort, while others find it a bit of a struggle. But one thing's for sure; no two college journeys are the same. And for most undergrads, the thing that rings true is the idea of building a four-year plan: four years to graduate and get on with life. Yet, college life is never that straightforward, especially for first-gens. In 2016, Nationwide reported that the average student now takes 5.2 academic years to earn a bachelor's degree. But for our guest for today, Dr. Eady, her off-and-on journey lasted nine years. Join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First comes the degree, then comes the J-O-B. How are you feeling about it? Do you feel like you’ve got the keys to success? Be it that you’re going into the workforce for the first-time, or using that graduate degree to move on up, this show is for you. In this session, Kimberly Barrett shares with us how to level up professionally by networking and utilizing our resources in the workplace. Join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our trip down memory lane this week, we're headed back to 2019. After facing a great deal of racism growing up, Dr. Marsha Lue is now helping her community by teaching diversity and inclusion as well as helping first-generation scholars persist through college. Be sure to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An empowering conversation with Ivy Felicia about facing barriers as a first-generation college student and professional, making meaning of one's experiences, and fat acceptance and body diversity. Join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're digging in the archives with this one. As it's back-to-school season, it was this very time two years ago that I had the pleasure of presenting a keynote for some of the most amazing first-generation students at The University of Southern Mississippi. In this session, I reflect on a thought I shared with students with a message too good not to share with you. In a world that is constantly pushing standards of all that you are supposed to be, I think it's important for you to be reminded that life is a blank canvas, and whatever you want for your life you get to create. Don't forget to check out the full session notes: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/234. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the thing I've really had to work on over the years is my mindset about money. When you grow up without it, it's hard to have much of an opinion about it. As a matter of fact, I once heard someone say that people who don't have money usually don't talk about it because it's not something for which they're proud, and even more than that, what is there to talk about? I'm grateful for the experiences that have exposed me to different perspectives, and in this session, I share an encounter with my roommate from college that changed my life. Peep the full session notes at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/232. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I had a Facebook memory pop up the other day. It was a picture of me during the last orientation that I'd worked as a full-time professional in higher education. I found myself "feeling some kind of way" remembering that time of my life. I recalled not knowing if I was making the right decision and/or if/how I was going to make it. What I did know was that something needed to change and that was my priority. Peep the full show notes at www.thefirstgenounge.com/231. Don't forget to join The Kick It Crew at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you doing what's best for you? Wait… Let me ask that question differently. Are you doing what's best for you so as long as it doesn't bother, disappoint, or upset anybody else? When we think about doing what's best for us, we must truly do the things that are going to make us happy even if other people don't agree. It's not always the easiest thing to do because of the concerns of disapproval or rejection. When we do not make the choices to do what’s best for us, however, we’ll always be miserable. So, in this chat with Nzinga D. Mpenda, we discuss the importance of being authentic, doing what’s best for you, and learning to choose joy. Don't forget to check out session notes: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/session/230. Join The Kick It Crew: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you think of the word champion, you often associate it with someone who wins, a person that's a fighter, to come out on top. So, then, as a first-generation scholar or professional... what does it for you to be a champion? See full session notes at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/229. Join The Kick It Crew: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you looking for answers that are already there? Are you looking for signs that have clearly been present, but because they are not what you want to see, you haven’t given them more attention? Be sure to check out full session notes at www.thefirstgenlounge.com/228. Join The Kick It Crew: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding oneself at a crossroad is one thing, but knowing exactly which way to go once there is another. Since our last chat, Dr. T'Airra Belcher has experienced a number of major life changes. We're excited to have her back with us to chat a bit about what to do when faced with making significant pivots in life. Join the Kick It Crew: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/crew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.