Embodying My Inner Pineapple đ
Last week, I joined countless other college students and ventured home for Thanksgiving break. While I was there with my goofy yet loving family, my little cousin told me that I looked like a pineapple with my big, round puff ball sitting atop my head. I laughed and mentally added "pineapple" to the list of things I've been likened to since I began sporting my natural hair.
But later that day, I began to think more on that comment.
I thought back to an inspirational photo I saw on the interwebs about using the imagery of the pineapple to push forward and thrive.
And while this quote is simple and straightforward, it speaks a lot to how I seek to conduct myself every day. I'm at a time in my life when there is a lot of grey. If I had a dollar for how many times I've been asked "so, what's the plan after graduation?" in the last 6 months, I could probably put a dent in my student loans. When I think of all the individual things that I've found myself interested in - media and journalism and development and emerging tech and activism and social change and - that 'and' goes on and on. Where do I belong? And when is a good time for me to find out?
Alas, all of these thoughts often cloud my mind (as illustrated by a previous blog post). But when I was told I looked like a pineapple and began to think on that quote, the 'big picture' of everything became a little less pertinent.
Stand tall.
Just about everyone knows that I stand at a non-threatening height of 5'2". But this short girl has one helluva story. This short girl has a name that reaches coast to coast. I choose to stand tall in all ways that I know how; through my work, through my passion, through my dedication. Even on my low days, standing tall remains a vital part of carrying on and rising everyday.
Wear a crown.
Isn't it funnily interesting how things come full circle? Just a few months ago, I finished my internship with CRWN (pronounced crown), an experience that led to my growing interest in startups and bringing tech closer to culture and activism. Not too long after that, I was announced as the only Black student on Northwestern's Homecoming Court. The concept of 'being crowned' even sparked introspection, detailed in this blog post. The concept of wearing a crown raises my mentality to constantly remind myself of my worth, even in the darkest of times.
Be sweet on the inside.
I blame my mother. My granny. Everyone in my life who always, always went high when others went low. For the longest I didn't understand it and hated the trait within myself. "Ma, why didn't you tell that lady off? She did xyz wrong to you!" But no, my mom never retaliated. She never turned her back on others, she always found it in herself to forgive and forgive time after time. My granny has always been the same - the neighborhood's secret-holder and confidant. She'll sit on the phone with you for hours if it means making your day just that much better. I find these traits within myself every day. This doesn't make me a push over, or a walking mat. Rather, it has made me more secure in my skills without a necessity to "go low" and prove them. It means I see a friend before I see competition. I'll reach out and help, over and over again. It means everyday, I wake up and see new possibilities and more ways to change the world.
---
I had my talented sister, Kaychel, bring my embodiment of the pineapple to life. Check out a couple of my new logo designs below. I couldn't be happier! Every day, I will challenge myself to #BeAPineapple, and I hope you will too. (Side note: my sister does not have any way to contact her at the moment for those interested in her design and artistry services, so while I'm building her website, hit me up about any inquiries you want to pass to her!)
How have you found in yourself ways to be a pineapple? What inspirational messages keep you going from day to day? I'd love to hear them. Tag #BeAPineapple in any of your imagery or messages about how you take on the three pillars!
P.S. Be sure to check out my new and improved digital portfolio! I've spent a lot of time on it and would love your feedback! Click HERE!
Until next time,
XoXo
-Si
But later that day, I began to think more on that comment.
I thought back to an inspirational photo I saw on the interwebs about using the imagery of the pineapple to push forward and thrive.
 |
| Be a pineapple: stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside. |
Alas, all of these thoughts often cloud my mind (as illustrated by a previous blog post). But when I was told I looked like a pineapple and began to think on that quote, the 'big picture' of everything became a little less pertinent.
Stand tall.
Just about everyone knows that I stand at a non-threatening height of 5'2". But this short girl has one helluva story. This short girl has a name that reaches coast to coast. I choose to stand tall in all ways that I know how; through my work, through my passion, through my dedication. Even on my low days, standing tall remains a vital part of carrying on and rising everyday.
Wear a crown.
Isn't it funnily interesting how things come full circle? Just a few months ago, I finished my internship with CRWN (pronounced crown), an experience that led to my growing interest in startups and bringing tech closer to culture and activism. Not too long after that, I was announced as the only Black student on Northwestern's Homecoming Court. The concept of 'being crowned' even sparked introspection, detailed in this blog post. The concept of wearing a crown raises my mentality to constantly remind myself of my worth, even in the darkest of times.
Be sweet on the inside.
I blame my mother. My granny. Everyone in my life who always, always went high when others went low. For the longest I didn't understand it and hated the trait within myself. "Ma, why didn't you tell that lady off? She did xyz wrong to you!" But no, my mom never retaliated. She never turned her back on others, she always found it in herself to forgive and forgive time after time. My granny has always been the same - the neighborhood's secret-holder and confidant. She'll sit on the phone with you for hours if it means making your day just that much better. I find these traits within myself every day. This doesn't make me a push over, or a walking mat. Rather, it has made me more secure in my skills without a necessity to "go low" and prove them. It means I see a friend before I see competition. I'll reach out and help, over and over again. It means everyday, I wake up and see new possibilities and more ways to change the world.
---
I had my talented sister, Kaychel, bring my embodiment of the pineapple to life. Check out a couple of my new logo designs below. I couldn't be happier! Every day, I will challenge myself to #BeAPineapple, and I hope you will too. (Side note: my sister does not have any way to contact her at the moment for those interested in her design and artistry services, so while I'm building her website, hit me up about any inquiries you want to pass to her!)
 |
| ~All rights for these photos belong to Sierra Boone~ |
 |
| ~All rights for these photos belong to Sierra Boone~ |
P.S. Be sure to check out my new and improved digital portfolio! I've spent a lot of time on it and would love your feedback! Click HERE!
Until next time,
XoXo
-Si
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