The Cheerleader's EmPOWERment Tour hits Sacramento State University!

YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER took The Cheerleader's EmPOWERment Tour to Sacramento State University and had the honor of Presenting to some of the most FABulous and vulnerable students.We talked BOOKS, BOYS, BOOZE & BIPOLAR to the packed auditorium, engaging in raw dialogue reflective of their distinctive experience. So maybe, despite my Teflon exterior (NOT!), I teared up a little after the three-hour event when one of the students whispered in my ear, "I always thought I was the only one dealing with these issues."

The students were, in a word, brilliant! The questions were thought-provoking and their unique insight proved what I already knew: they are a generation of courageous minds dealing with real life in real time. College drop-out rates in their nuclear circles are staggering, as is the hushed rise in prostitution and drug-abuse. Apathy had no place in the auditorium. Victimization was turned away at the door. And after a few brave volunteers participated in the career trajectory design, I saw the light bulbs over a few of their heads brighten.

A heartfelt "THANK YOU!" goes out to the Delta Sigma Thetas, my beautiful Sorors, at Sacramento State University for inviting The Cheerleader to participate in their May Week festivities. In this millennium, to whom much is given, much is demanded, and these phenomenal young leaders are collectively doing their part to ensure, despite the economic monsoon drowning our communities, that theirs is a generation that won't be left behind.

I was honored to do my part to assist them on their journeys. For some, it's about surviving. For others, it's about thriving. For everyone, on that palpable night, it was about understanding that although their road is paved with significant challenges that can only be overcome with meticulous attention to their strategic plan, they can and will win. Our young leaders need our involvement, our guidance, and an enormous degree of empathy. They are tomorrow's doctors, lawyers and Indian Chiefs; they are today's students, today's sons and daughters - and our children.

Learned leaders they are becoming, investing in the artillery that will carry them through the war. The battle wounds will fade over time, becoming references for how they survived difficulty. I'm investing now, in their bear market, so that I can yield my return later. 

Below is just one of many emails I received from a student. It keeps Your Biggest Cheerleader's perspective razor sharp!  

Ms. Erika,

This is                       I spoke with you after you spoke at Sac State. I'm not in a happy place right now. I'm very sad. Im turning 21 next saturday and I thought this would be one of the happiest moments of my life but I'm not. I am trying to find myself and what I really want to do but I'm not sure. Changing my major is one of the hardest things. speech pathology, well I'm not sure if I wana do that for the rest of my life. Thinking of Journalism because I love to write, but theres fear of not liking it and ending up back at square one or not being able to find a job after graduation. Also, being in school forever...i cant afford it. I'm not sure what to do.

On top of that I have personal issues some of it comes from not knowing my purpose, others of it is insecurity, my weight, not liking myself (inside or out). I've sometimes thought something was wrong with me because of my actions with people. I'm just trying to figure myself out.

Well thats all.

                           

No, it is just her beginning. With that level of introspection and dedication to her cognitive and emotional wealth, she will WIN! And I will be just one of her many Cheerleaders on the sidelines as she breaks through the warrior's tape at her finish line.

xoxo, 

Your Biggest Cheerleader!