Well, I am officially a college student, again; after 18 years. The wildest part of this chapter is remembering my first acceptance and scholarship to the University of South Alabama in 2007 & my decision to go to SpringHill College instead; I was advised that because it is a bit harder to be accepted into, it was the better choice. Never mind the fact that one year at SpringHill College cost me the same amount the full degree would’ve cost had I chosen to make South Alabama my home, back then. That’s neither here nor there at this point. I am just ecstatic to experience a “second chance” at fulfilling one of my heart’s desires, to obtain the highest degree in my field of study. Had someone told 18 year old me what 36 year old me would have achieved prior to this second chance, I may have been easier on myself for not doing things “on time”. Some scholars will tell you that time is actually not linear but cyclical. This suggests that we revisit things at different times in life where we have an opportunity to rewrite the outcome or change the course of things. Initially, (as in since 5th grade all the way to my application for this fall semester) I wanted to become a psychologist. But after having 5 kids (3 are bonus), 4 businesses, being a hair stylist and instructor, dozens of friends and clients that I selflessly offer counseling, creating a 6 figure income with licenses and certifications; I do not believe I would like the stress that comes with helping people face their truths, one on one from 9-5pm. I know that sounds harsh but although I have not been enrolled in college courses the last nearly 20 years, I have studied human behavior for as long as I can remember. And people have a hard time accepting the truth when it requires change. I would rather inspire growth through life coaching, books and conversations. This is what I have been doing since 2022. I have searched for the meaning of love and God and life as early as I can remember. My brother Jordan and I would scan through every book in the house to find words that would inspire us to be hands on with our own futures and curate the lives we wished to live. We dissected words and famous quotes to find meaning and cheat codes to a meaningful life. And here we are. Living the lives of the scholar and the artist. Autodidacts if you will. This brings me back to my “major change” (from psychology to philosophy). I decided that if I am to be an example for anyone, I must be true to myself. The deeper I dove into the psychology of the human mind, specifically through trauma, I found that witnessing or observing traumatic experiences can be just as detrimental as actually going through it firsthand. I have felt the stress in my mind and heart from seeing someone hurt or abused. It definitely feels bad too. So I believe it. I’ve researched over 20 years about multiple subjects. I think it was Ghandi who emphasized the use of discernment and believing things not just because we were taught but because they FEEL right. So I have learned to question it all & find ways to explain things to reach people at their level. I have found ways to help my family, friends, and clients elevate their lives by transforming their thought processes. I teach these through professional life coaching. In 2017 I wrote my first children’s book, “Ajia Z. Thinker”. It took me until 2023 to have it illustrated (s/o to my brother Jenyes aka Jordan “Pikasso” Perryman). Aaaand then I finally published it this year on 7/8/2025. While uploading the final docs I asked myself how does the American education system label a “thinker” at the highest level? Well wouldn’t “Philosopher” fit that description? I am a lover of knowledge. In between my first freshman year to my second time in college, I have acquired over a dozen licenses and certifications. I probably have at least one for each year I have been out of school. This tells me I am a lover of learning and I will seek knowledge until the day I die (and beyond if I get where I am going and it is possible). I told myself to document this journey closely because at 36, I have formed my outlook on lots of things based on my experience. I thought it would be fun to share some of the things that I learn so here we are. The next post will tell you all about my first week! Tomorrow is the last day of my first week back and I have so much to share! I will try to blog weekly and will also have some more videos on TikTok documenting my experiences. If you’ve read this far leave me a comment so I can cry at the fact that someone took their time out to make it here. Reading may not be a lost art after all. Also, I work better with feedback so if you ask what’s up i’m definitely telling. Blame my libra moon. 😈 k bye! :) <3