The Bridge to Bliss

Though I be yet a sophomore, I have learned so much about myself in my time at Northwestern. It's actually borderline unbelievable to think of the difference between Sierra now and Sierra a year ago. Or even 3 months ago. There are certain characteristics, certain inherent traits about myself that have shown themselves to me...thus opening my own eyes to me. I am a giver.  I have an indescribable need to fill into someone else what they may be lacking. I help when someone needs to be helped. I encourage without being asked. I go the extra mile for someone else's well-being. ...But, I am reluctant to receive. I'm not sure if it's because I was taught "giving > receiving," or something else (still learning about myself), but when I am empty...I'm not as open to let someone fill into me. It's tough for me to let someone help me or even offer me advice. Even getting complimented feels weird at times. I have an immense fear of rejection. And thu

NABJ-NU Welcome Mixer by sierra-lanae featuring a white blouse

Linda Fondren Talks New Book 'Shape Up Sisters!' - JetMag.com

Nelly, Keyshia Cole Slated for BET Reality Shows - JetMag.com

Military Revises Controversial Hair Policies - JetMag.com

NFL Considers Tougher Penalties for Domestic Violence - JetMag.com

NMOS14: Transforming Rage into Reform - JetMag.com

Running Late! by sierra-lanae featuring navy shorts

Kardashian in Kollege by sierra-lanae featuring lightweight jackets

It's been real, Bridge to Bliss. That statement encapsulates my experiences since I've...abandoned...this blog. It's been real. You know what's hilarious about life? It gives you the best it has. Full throttle. What are you talking about, Sierra? Since I've been gone (cue Kelly Clarkson ), I've been living! I finished my first year as a Northwestern Wildcat. Crazy! How many of you remember when I was blogging about how I soooooo badly wanted to get in? How many of you remember the blog post of when I found out about my acceptance ? Yas. I started my internship with the #1 African American newsweekly in...the world!! The prestigious and iconic JET Magazine thought that I (lil' ol' me) was special enough to join their team this summer. Am I excited? No. I'M PSYCHED!! I am living my dreams! If you know me, you know I LOVE black people and I LOVE writing! They married and had JET. Want to read my stuff? Go to JET here ! I rekindled an affini

Hello (hello echoes)! A couple of weeks ago, the Black student union at my school had our annual Spring concert. Who performed? Big K.R.I.T. ! Who is he? He's a southern performer that raps and specializes in Hip-Hop. I actually hadn't hear about him prior to the concert, but after hearing some of his songs, I am a complete fan! One of my favorites by him is this song. The bass and beat are just...beautiful. Enjoy! XOXO -Si

Now, I know you all are reading expecting me to say that I have a prestigious internship B.E.T. Well, I don't (yet). But I am still a staff writer for Pulse Magazine, Northwestern's premier black and multicultural magazine. It is more than an honor to write for the legacy that is Pulse. NU Alum saw the need and demanded so that people like me could have a safe-space for what we see as important. I am here to, first and foremost, apologize for never blogging anymore. Honestly, I've run dry with topics to blog about, but I know the well will soon be full of water again. Also, I'd like you all to read my latest piece on the Pulse website. Click here to read it! Also, click HERE to see my digital portfolio. It has all of my clips and also some goal that I'd like to accomplish as a journalist. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for me to blog about, please please don't hesitate to let me know! XOXO -Si

So, we'll crawl... 'till we can walk again. Then we'll run, until we're to jump. Then, we'll fly! Until there is no end. So let's crawl back to love. Blissers, through disconnections and egos, we can fall from the positions we have been in. But, I believe we can get back to where we need to be with effort. This song is old, but I think it perfectly relates to just being able to keep moving forward, no matter the pace. The old adage, "Take baby steps," proves true in this song. XOXO -Si

My natural hair!! Yes, today is the 1st anniversary of when I went natural, A.K.A. my "naturalversary!" It's been a long, long time coming but I am proud of myself and my hair endeavors. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, going natural-or returning natural- can be defined as: When a woman (or man) with naturally curly, coily or kinky hair wears their hair in its natural state after having been wearing it straight or chemically altered for any amount of time. While we're at it, it's probably best that you know what a perm is if you already don't, so click here! So basically, on February 24, 2013, I threw away all of my harmful hair products, put away my straightener/flat irons, and attempted being natural. What can I say? It was horrid.  When I first wore my hair natural (left), and today...actually yesterday (right). Big difference! Not only did I have no idea what I was doing (it was supposed to be a twist out )

How many of you all have had struggles when it comes to those three little words? No, not the cliché "I love you," I'm talking about some with the same amount of...if not more...power. I trust you. Actually, we can even shorten them and come to the same root. Trust. What is it? Search it in Google and you'll get Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. Well, dear Blissers, though I live a life that I cannot complain about, I have had my fair share of issues with trust. People let me down. People walk away. People straight up have just done a 180 degree switch up on me. And after observing others in their lives (aka their social media pages), I see that I'm not the only one. What better place to talk about it than the open forum of the B2B? How easy it would be for our foreheads to have signs saying, "I trust you," and then not be let down by others. How easy it would be for mutual feelings to

Hello everyone! Today is the first day of February. While usually that would be unnecessary and arbitrary information, today it means that it is Black History Month !! Though some may argue that there is no need for it while others harp on the fact that it is the shortest month of the year, it is here and I will be recognizing! The point I hope to make this month, regardless of your stance on its existence, is that BLACK HISTORY MONTH IS AMERICAN HISTORY!  I won't preach or lecture, but it is essential that we know our history, y'all.  So with that, I want to honor this beautiful woman! This, ladies and gentlemen, is Ida B. Wells-Barnett! Where do I begin? Ida is one of the very first black journalists! She decided to write for a cause, forsaking mainstream news for topics that were not being paid attention to! Among these topics were lynchings, women's rights and women's suffrage. Excuse the colloquium, but Ida is the bomb! She exemplifies everything I

Reminiscing Autumn by sierra-lanae featuring a pink ring

Hello to all who have come across this blog! As per usual, I haven't blogged in some time. Oh, the shame! But I'm here now! Happy New Year to all of the blissers! This is the first post of 2014! Wow, as eventful as 2013 was, it's over now. In 2013, I: Turned 18! Had my last AKAteen ball, and cleaned up with awards Graduated from High School and went to senior prom! Started school as a freshman at Northwestern University ...and tons more However, I have no doubt that 2014 has even more in store for me. The title of this post, "Peace & Blessings," is what I wish for. It is derived from As-salam alaykum ( السلام عليكم ), which is an Arabic greeting. I wish for peace and blessings for you all! ALSO! I missed it on the actual day, but I launched the B2B a whole 3 years, 1 month and 10 days ago! (Who's counting though?) To think it has come this far is crazy! Here is the link to my very first blog post: click here . Wow, crazy. I'm super