Another School Shooting

We’re dealing with another epidemic in our country and our students are not alright.

The sudden surge of guns found on school campuses here in the Midlands and around the country is stoking fears about safety from parents and students.

Sadly, in recent cases the guns are wielded by kids who have somehow gained access to weapons.

Truth be told- the rise in school shootings and threats should be seen as a cry for help.

In some cases, students say they brought guns to school to protect themselves.
Bullying appears to be one of the causes for gun violence in schools.
Experts also suggest mental health is a major cause.

So how do we stop this epidemic?
How do we stop students from gaining access to guns?
How do we stop a child from texting their last words to their parents?
But most importantly, when will we be able to stop informing parents their child is not coming home?

We need to place emphasis on reactive solutions.
We should reduce the chances of this happening rather than sending our thoughts and prayers after the fact.
We need our leaders to address the issues of school gun violence from all angles and work to understand the lasting consequences it has on our children.

Dealing with death

So two years ago I lost my mother and brother within a two week time period. Today I still deal with impact of back to back losses. I vaguely remember that time period due to sleepless nights, the mourning, and staying strong for my family.

I remember when both of them got sick around the same time. I was the only sibling living in Houston at the time. Some days I had to choose which one to visit at the hospital when getting off work or who to spend time with on weekends. That seriously drained me emotionally and physically. I’m surprised it did not take a toll on my work life.

I’d like to think I handled both situations with grace and grit. Am I still dealing with the ramifications? Yes! Does it get easier? No! Time does not heal all wounds. I’m still carrying lots of weight on my shoulders but I still effortlessly press on.

Saluting Frontline workers in South Carolina

For over 50 years, the Columbia Urban League has worked relentlessly to promote financial stability and racial inclusion in our community.

This week during the 53rd Annual Fund Campaign Equal Opportunity Day Dinner, the Columbia Urban League recognized and honored several unsung heroes who continue lifting up communities with tools and resources to achieve long-term success.

From nurses, first responders, grocery store employees, and mail carriers, these essential workers help protect our families and keep businesses open despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

WIS thanks all frontline workers for their selfless service.

We also salute the Columbia Urban League for their consistent efforts to uplift minority communities and changing future generations for the better.

Giving to nonprofits during a pandemic in SC

The pandemic may have changed how we celebrate the holidays, but it should not dampen our giving spirit.  

 The needs for some of our local nonprofits, like Harvest Hope Food Bank and Oliver Gospel Mission, continue to increase while the number of donations decreases.

 
The homeless population is our most vulnerable community. 


As winter approaches both shelter and protection become a big concern. 

 

Institutions such as Oliver Gospel Mission focuses on homeless citizens. They have operated in Columbia for 132 years.

 

Right now, their biggest need is financial support, which allows them to offer the very best programs, food, shelter, and Christian-centered support.  

Unfortunately, many families face food insecurity during the holidays. 


You can give to South Carolina’s largest food bank, Harvest Hope. 


Between 2018 and 2019, they served over 686-thousand families.


Harvest Hope is accepting nonperishable food donations and monetary support.  



For hundreds of small business owners, the pandemic is responsible for closing their doors. 

 

Remember to support local businesses who depend on holiday sales to stay afloat.  



And the Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign is also helping people crippled by the pandemic. 

 

You can donate at one of 60 kettle locations in the Midlands.
This year the organization aims to assist over 26-hundred children celebrate Christmas with presents.  

This season is a time for us to reflect, practice gratitude, and find opportunities to be generous. 

 

Being Diagnosed with Fibroids

​It has been a while since I’ve posted my thoughts. Everything is going great family and career wise. 

My health is now in the spotlight. Recent tests showed no traces of diabetes or other hereditary diseases.

But my visit to the doctor 3 weeks ago for a wellness check was extremely uncomfortable which led to a transvaginal sonogram yesterday. That sonogram revealed I have 3 fibroids on my uterus.

Needless to say,  I was in complete shock. I was assured they were not cancerous but they need attention.
My next visit is in 3 weeks. They will insert a fluid inside the fibroids to find out if polyps are taking over. If so, I’ll have surgery to remove them. 

I feel like this could have been prevented and caught ahead of time.  Prior to the diagnosis I had the symptoms  of fatigue, protruding stomach, heavy menstrual cycles, and weight gain. I’ve battled perplexed and painful cycles since the age of 15 so I always thought it was just part of mother nature. I recently decided to go on the pill which has helped tremendously to ease my symptoms.

Ignoring my body has led to this point. While I’m still in disbelief, I’m happy to know what has been the root of my pain over the years. Hopefully the doctor does not find polyps. I’ll still plan to have the fibroids removed though. Thanks for reading.

Why I Don’t Acknowledge Mother’s Day

Yes, the title is correct. I never discuss her with people, there is not much of a need to. Every year I watch friends take to social media to post loving pictures of their mothers and thanking them for their support and love.
Well, I’m the opposite! Although I thank  my mother for being the example of the type of woman I don’t want to become, I’ve never forgotten her irresponsible  actions. This is why I can’t show gratitude.
She Never was:
A provider
Cheerleader

Confidante
Nurturer
Warrior
Role Model
Giver
Responsible
I can go on and on.
The things I remember most is that she lied, about petty situations. For example,  she sweared up and down she showed up to my school to pick me up one day. Hell, she’d even lied to my grandmother about her kids taking items from the house when it was really her doing. Who places the blame on their own children?
She also neglected us. I can recall several instances when she left to either go be a man (younger brothers father) or because she felt it was not her time to be a mother.  However,  she went to go help other people raise their kids.
She was lazy & had no work ethic. I can only remember three times she held down a job, which wasn’t for long. She claimed to have “back problems”. She sat around and collected social security checks on behalf of her kids and never spent the money on us. Oh but it would go to the casino, cigarrettes, and scratchoffs. She didn’t contribute to the household since we lived with my grandmother. Then complained when we needed money for school. Hence the reason why I didn’t participate in school activities. Why she despised to work is beyond me. I would never let my kids go without. This is why my work ethic is pretty high.
Irresponsible-  she never could keep money in her pocket. Always broke and had bad credit. Bill collectors called constantly. She was unable to care for us. At one point my grandmother went to California to care for her sister.  We were kept in my mothers “care”. It was the worst 6 months of our lives. The utilities were behind and cut off.  My granny sent her money to pay bills but she blew it off. Some days we went hungry and to top it off she send us to restaurants asking if they had food to spare. This is why I make sure bills are paid and food is in my fridge.
As a daughter I’m suppose to have a strong bond with my mother but it is the complete opposite.  She probably can’t tell you my favorite color, movies, let alone tell you where I live or do for a living.
Supporter-she didn’t bother to show for my graduation from elementary,  middle school, and college. The only reason why she showed up for my high school graduation is because she gave my grandmother a ride. She never showed for my sisters basketball games either or my cheerleading games.
I’ve attempted to talk to her about everything but she makes excuses and flat out lies. Years ago I wrote her a letter detailing my feelings. I’ve washed my hands and moved on.  Which is why I’ve been extremely blessed and favored.  I’ve learned you can’t move into the next dimension until you address the past.
I pray daily when I become a mother, I’ll leave a loving, Godly, sincere, and so much more for my children.
Thanks for reading! 🙂

I Am a Conqueror

We all need songs that inspire and aspire us.  I’m sharing mine below.

“Conqueror” by Estelle

Life is like a big merry-go-round,
You’re up and then down,
Going in circles trying to get to where you are.
Everybody’s been counting you out,
Where are they now?
Sitting in the same old place,
Just faces in the crowd.
We all make mistakes,
You might fall on your face,
But you gotta get up!

I’d rather stand tall
Than live on my knees,
‘Cause I am a conqueror,
And I won’t accept defeat!
Try telling me no,
One thing about me
Is I am a conqueror,
I am a conqueror!
Ooh oh

Got a vision that no one else sees,
Lot of dirty work, roll up your sleeves,
Remember there’s a war out there,
So come prepared to fight!
You never know wherever the road leads you,
Not everyone’s gonna believe you,
Even though they’re wrong, don’t prove them right.

I’d rather stand tall
Than live on my knees,
‘Cause I am a conqueror,
And I won’t accept defeat!
Try telling me no,
One thing about me
Is I am a conqueror,
I am a conqueror!
Ooh oh

I am a conqueror!
We all make mistakes,
You might fall on your face,
but you gotta get up!
We all make mistakes,
You might fall on your face,
Don’t ever give up!

2015 Year End Review

Wow!  What an unforgettable year. I rung in 2015 with friends. 
The first 6 months were difficult. I lost my beloved aunt. I had a health scare due to overworking and not taking care of myself. Lack of assistance will do that. Overall I was unhappy….oh but God.

In June I had an epiphany involving my future. It was then I decided  to build my dreams and stop working to help people build theirs. So as you know I hired an agent to help me.

So over the summer I prayed vigorously and specifically for my career and for me to move in the right direction.

By November, I was hired as a PA for a news station in Amarillo. I leapt at the chance to leave Dallas and jump-start my career. Just  2 weeks ago I accepted the open Producer position.😀 

God has been amazing to me despite all the times I’ve bumped my head. I will continue to serve him and stand on his promises.

2016 will be filled with joy, celebrations, answered prayers, prosperity, love, success,  open doors, and clarification from my Almighty. I’m ready!

Blessings,

Jessica Willis

In Control of My Career

2 weeks ago I said farewell to Dallas and moved to Amarillo. I made the best decision to jump back into my career goals and live for myself. Over the past 2 years this quote has echoed in my mind “follow your dreams or someone will hire you to build theirs”. Soooo……

I hired an agent over the summer who is absolutely phenomenal & well-rounded in the news business. My world quickly turned into non-stop phone calls, emails, and thank you’s. In October I was hired as an Associate Producer. With this  position gave me another chance at my career. Car has placed me in spot where I am more than happy on a daily basis. I’m in a position where I actually make a difference, inform people on a daily basis,   and being valued.  It’s satisfying to work for a company where everyone pulls their own weight and communication is flowing every second. I love going in every day because there is always something new to hear and look forward to. Also, I was more than thrilled to hear about the perks that I never experienced at any previous position held. BENEFITS, INSURANCE, HEALTH COVERAGE, 401K, and MORE. :))))

Everyday I walk in with a smile, greet my fellow coworkers, and go straight to work. We conduct healthy conversations as to why stories impact our audience. From then the shows are reported, crafted , and written for the different newscast.  I love LIVING  every day knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life. It’s a great feeling!  🙂

Living for me, hello career!

Empire State of Mind.

Well hello,
It’s been some time since my last blog.
I’m in a new transition, city, and finally in my career.

About a month ago I accepted a producing position with a news affiliate in Amarillo, TX. :))))). I’m beyond excited and elated.

Over the summer I saw fit tohire an agent to assist me.  She has been beyond excellent and outstanding. I’m really grateful for her wisdom concerning the business. I look forward to a long lasting partnership.

God is impeccable and moves swiftly. Literally just last month I saw the open position (October 5th), informed my agent to reach out (October 6th), and the next day I received a phone call.(October 7th). On October 13th I was offered and accepted the position. By the 16th, I drove up to meet with the team.

As of now, I’m writing this blog from Taco Garcia in Amarillo. I’ve made the sacrifice of uprooting my life,  leaving my family, boyfriend, and friends for a journey that I know will be worthwhile and meaningful.

My steps are ordered! My empire is here.

Blessings,

Jessica Willis