Chapter 1: Close Encounters

And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. 41And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. 42And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. 43But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: 44And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.-Acts 20:40-44

I dedicate this post to: Dr. J.K. Haynes, Aaron A. M. Hargrove, Rosalind Sutton, Carmel Simmons, Frank and Bonnie Johnson, Carmel Simmons, Dr. Louis and Jea Delsarte, Travis Andrews and Dana Ward-Robinson. 

 

I too have been shipwrecked and made it across the stage today with broken pieces. I have lost people who made tremendous contributions into my character development and leadership experiences; Carmel Simmons, Mother Pryor, Elder Walker and Deacon Anthony Dowell. My emotions learned to be checked and balanced and I learned the true meaning of perseverance and patience.

 

I have been stranded in France, by the hands of people who didn’t’ have my best interest at heart and this holy ghost filled, God fearing minister knows what it means to be depressed, bitter and angry at God.

I have watched brothers at Morehouse leave or get evicted from their housing because they didn’t have enough money to cover the rising cost of tuition and fees.

I truly know how it feels to have it and loose it. I lost my apartment, and my right to provide for myself. Along with those loses went my self-confidence, tenacity, willingness, silence, and my heart was broken into pieces. I know what it means to try to put the pieces back together.

This year, the weekend of my birthday, I was struck with pneumonia, had salmonella  and meningitis in my blood. I should’ve died, and wanted to die as I was hospitalized.

But God, woke me up the next morning after I pleaded to Him to end the suffering. He saw fit to let me live. I’m eternally grateful.

My father had cancer and that weighed heavy on me. Sometimes you can be as strong as you know how to be, but when danger strikes you so close, you realize where your strength really lies and how you’ve made it all these years. I am only 23 and to loose my father was unthinkable. It was so unthinkable I think I almost failed all my classes the semester he told me, because I was in class, but I wasn’t IN class. My mind was on “What if he’s gone? “ “How will I take care of my siblings?” “Where will I work when I get home?” And things of that nature.

I didn’t think I was going to graduate Morehouse College today. But through the help of staff at Morehouse and my sister Lashaun and my best friend Aaron, I did.

 

I am not fully recovered but I will get there! I am thankful because I have learned to enjoy every moment in life. I was sitting on the lawn at graduation and there was a moment of silence between the Glee Club and the Provost taking the stage and you could hear the birds chirping beautifully.

I’ve done a lot here in Atlanta and learned a lot here in Atlanta and the South. But there is no place like home! I am excited about the next chapter in my life.

God has once again made me anew. I have a new outlook on life and how I  can better serve my fellow man in the community, region, nation, and globe.

Paul eloquently describes his journey in this passage of scripture, I like it because the unusual happened and so many times It has happened to me, the centurion offered to let his prisoner go and live! God time and time again has shown favor in my life. A few examples, the 130th Commencement at Morehouse College, they told me on Tuesday I couldn’t participate in it.

 

The International Women's Convention/Crusade  of the Church of God in Christ has allowed me to serve them in the Security Ministry since 2012 and someway somehow these women know how to take care of me. I worry for nothing…

And them Paul adds that they escaped some on boards and some on broken pieces. It amazes me how much I’ve grown introspectively [broken boards] and have risen to the occasion every time even when it hurt [broken pieces]. Dr. David B. Cooke said, “Ride one mule till you fall off, and get on the next mule passing by.” I will reach my destination no matter what!

From the Ashes I Rise

it dances

it flickers

in the cool spring morning

it burns blue

through many toils and strife…ashes

it remains

almost extinguished…ash

it remains

it spreads like wildfire

it consumes everything in its path

they want to kill it…ash

in the cool spring morning

they seek to destroy it…ash

they want to suffocate it…ash

remove courage…ash

remove hope…ash

remove joy…ash

…

the Ashes bury It

it grows stronger

it shines brighter

it dances gracefully

it rises from the ashes

it remains

they are removed

-Jesse Andrews

As I close this chapter of my life I thank God He knew me from the beginning, cause at times I really surprise myself! To God be the Glory!!!

The Real State of the Unions

Jesse D. Andrews is a graduating Senior Biology major from Fresno, California at Morehouse College. He is a youth philanthropist and guest journalist for New America Media. He is the Chairman of Atlanta’s premier scholarship foundation, The Exception Campaign. Ph. 404.953.0243 

Bernice Randolph is a Union Representative for Sodexo workers at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and other surrounding colleges. She is the president of Born Again Words, Inc., a spoken word collaborative helping inner city youth grow into successful adults. She is a native of Trenton, New Jersey, but calls Atlanta her home. An author, artist, poet and designer, she is known for her talent in spoken words. Through her free form style, Bernice motivates, educates and inspires.

The Real State of the Unions

Recently the President of the United States of America, President Barrack Obama, gave the directives and goals for his second term and agenda for congressional leaders. Economic vitality, educational advancement and global impact was top priorities in his speech. However, what is of interest are the many Unions that actually represent the working American People. Why are they important? What do they do? How do employees benefit from them?

Unions are organizations of working people who unite to obtain rights on the job that they could not obtain by themselves. Whether it be a trade union or labor union the goal has been the same since its inception to create and implement better working conditions or pay for workers.

Unions have had a hard time to convince the American people that they are needed. Especially when organizations and businesses have a set pay scale or a set way of doing business. The President outlines his plans for the Union, the United States of America, but countless workers need support and help on advocating for their given rights within the unions, collective body of workers.

Labor unions began in the late 1800s becoming the largest labor relations organization in the country known today as American Federation of Labor or AFL. In 2010, it was noted by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development that Americans have the lowest proportion of workers who were apart of unions at a steady 11.4% compared to other countries.

Bernice Randolph, co-editor of this article, is a Union Representative for Sodexo, she fights furiously to get better pay and working conditions around the country for workers at our colleges and universities. She believes that people are not getting involved in unions because they fear for their termination if the employer found out they were associated with one.

Michelle Martin, host of Tell Me More on National Public Radio, did a special on college football players and their fight to establish a union for players in the NCAA. Players like Ramogi Huma aren't looking to get paid, but they are advocating for healthcare and guarantees on scholarships should they get hurt. It is to Huma and others advantage to ensure that many athletes get and receive the benefits to help enhance their collegiate experience and their quality of life.

This has been the case for many unions around the nation. However, much talk and discussion about Unions and their labor laws have been swept under the table. As the immigrant population continuously grows it is important for them to have unions that can help them in the transition from illegal to legal status. One of the most successful unions seen in America is the union for teachers. They are quick to advocate for better pay and teaching conditions. Their union lobbies for laws and policies that help them be successful teachers for generations to come.

Only 6.7% of non-government employees in the American workforce belong to unions. This is not because they are irrelevant as many suggest, but because the employees are not represented in certain sectors or they are not convinced they need a union. Frank Howe wrote in The Denver Post, "Labor unions exist for primarily two reasons: to protect their weakest members from their strongest and to promote socialism and collectivism." It is the "lazy", "incompetent" and the "marginal" who work extraneous and grueling hours to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to the pursuit of happiness and the American Dream. Should not they have a voice in their working conditions or a say in their workforce environment?

Working in the not-for-profit sector taught me that if the employees have a sense of ownership within the company or organization, they are more likely to be more involved in shaping the culture of the organization or company. Which helps enhance customer service and improve the financial bottom line.

Unions give the American People a voice and an advocate. Postmaster Anthony Dowell was a U.S. Postal Worker working in southwest Atlanta who believed in the people he worked with and for. He strived daily to be an advocate on working conditions, shift scheduling, pay raises, and understanding their basic human needs. He was the epitome of a union president. Unions are needed especially in the jobs we take for granted, even if only for a sense of advocacy, who knows, it may become a reality.

America Deals With Immigration

Jesse D. Andrews is a graduating Senior Biology major from Fresno, California at Morehouse College. He is a youth philanthropist and guest journalist for New America Media. He is the Chairman of Atlanta’s premier scholarship foundation, The Exception Campaign. Ph. 404.953.0243

America Deals With Immigration

Across this great nation citizens, politicians and immigrants are talking about America and her new thought on immigration reform. Primarily, comments are spurning great controversy and interesting discussions about its legality and its new formed thought of implementation. Thoughts ranging from deportation of more than 11 million people, making our borders more secure and the highly controversial DREAM Act.

Can we possibly deport more than 11 million people because they do not have a "Green Card"? I most certainly hope not! The 11 million people who reside in our country are comprised of those who work, attend primary and secondary schools, or are currently enrolled in a higher education institution. They do the jobs most Americans claim to be too educated to do and they have children who are legal citizens. So how do we deal with this?

President Obama proposed 21st Century Immigration Reform that allows for the United States to be the model country on dealing with immigration. In his proposal he highlights four points:

·         Responsibility by the federal government to secure our borders.

·         Accountability for businesses that break the law by undermining American workers and exploiting undocumented workers.

·         Strengthening our economic competiveness by creating a legal immigration system that reflects our values and diverse needs.

·         Responsibility from people who are living in the United States illegally.

It's a start. Whether this passes the House and Senate is another story. As heavy an issue as Immigration Reform is people have forgotten that the immigrant has feelings too. Too many immigrants who were scientists, nurses, engineers, and doctors in their own country have come to this country looking for opportunity, only to find that they can only work on a farm, clean in hotels and homes, and work other low wage jobs.

Yet, the only thing that is hard pressed in the media is economic growth, economic competiveness, and retaining talent from immigration reform by using the illegal minimal wage workers to do the labor. In an article published in the Chicago Business:

"According to the Bipartisan Policy Center Report, 'immigration reform would create 105,923 jobs in Illinois and boost the state's economic output by $1.8 billion.'"

Not only in Illinois, but these benefits from immigration reform exists across the 50 states of America reducing the national deficit by more than half by 2020. Last year alone it was reported by the National Conference of State Legislatures that over 437 laws and resolutions passed were on immigration. This means local measures are being put in place to ensure that the money doesn’t go to waste.

Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) and others are sounding the alarm that they would support legalizing the 11 million illegal immigrants, but would not support reform that would help future immigrants become legal citizens. They could eventually get citizenship, it’s the eventually that creates the problems. It takes more than 10 years for an illegal immigrant to become a valid U.S. citizen. So what's driving this thinking? Possibly the fact that just a few years ago more than three out of four patents produced at top American Universities were immigrant inventors.

Many immigrants migrated to America looking for better societal values and to accommodate most of their diverse needs. Only to find a racial thread that is woven into the fabric of America, (12 Years A Slave brought this out) limitations on parents whose children are fluent in English. Lastly, a group of representatives who have no values and truly do not care about anyone’s diverse needs.  

Crossing the border into Mexico made it apparent that there is a new working class in America. Coming to America from France made it apparent that Americans need to work on being courteous when greeting foreigners. What was of significance was the lack of staff to man the borders to accommodate the growing rate of immigration.

Lastly, safer and secured borders are a must. Gun violence and security in our public schools should not receive inadequate attention from our national and local government. Foreign terrorism is real and too often domestic terrorism reminds us it’s alive and thriving in our public school systems and in higher education. This complex issue of immigration reform is a hot topic and it needs the voice of those whom the reform will affect to be at the table both legal and illegal citizens. 

 

New Leadership, New Horizons

Jesse D. Andrews is a graduating Senior Biology major from Fresno, California at Morehouse College. He is a youth philanthropist and guest journalist for New America Media. He is the Chairman of Atlanta’s premier scholarship foundation, The Exception Campaign. ph. 404.953.0243

 

New Leadership, New Horizons

It means a fresh start for the new leadership that has been elected to the Atlanta Public School’s Board of Education. What is of major importance, however, is how we begin to combat the needs of students in attaining the skills to be successful after their elementary and secondary education, teachers who get adequate pay for their expertise and incentives for educating our bright students, and parents who get the support they need to enroll their child and engage in their child’s progress. Benjamin E. Mays said, “A child must learn early to believe that she is somebody worthwhile, and that she can do many praiseworthy things.” Some of the best world and community leaders came out of the Atlanta Public Schools and with such a legacy we should ensure that students are equipped to handle and engage the ever changing world around them. We honor the past for it got us here; we embrace and sculpt the future that will carry us forward. Educational standards should be clear to the students and assure that they fall beyond the state and national average threshold. Morehouse College continues to challenge us to think about ways to strategically examine environmental, economic and sociopolitical sustainability in a global society. It must be the same when examining the best practices in classroom instruction and improving teaching quality. The world’s best educators are in Atlanta Public Schools and it would only make sense to provide those educators with the tools and supplies to teach their students. This can be done through providing meaningful incentives for their student’s achievement and their own creative prowess in the field of education. Most students are suffering to graduate, in particularly our boys of color, and they are frustrated with many administrative distractions. Such as, whether a school will close or not, a school model is appropriate, or the most common thread, whether their school has the adequate supplies for instruction. What is commendable for these students and their futures must be done. We have to invest in them, period. Earlier this week National Public Radio reported that most of Congress, “at least 268 had an average net worth of $1 million or more in 2012.” As the Board of Education works hard to ensure quality education for these students, it is clear that they are public servants who have taken an interest in the affairs of educating these students. Their salaries do nothing to reflect the actions they leave behind. The policies they make will be around long after they have spent their earned salaries. It is unfortunate that those current members of Congress have not worked or lived up to earning such salaries and they are millionaires not worth talking to. Most of these items must be on the agenda this year to make APS the best school district this nation has ever seen. It must be the model for great teachers, great administrators and exceptional students. Atlanta Public Schools must effectively track the performance of all its schools and intervene with proven practices. It must set improvement goals, along with corresponding milestones and timelines across the portfolio of schools. Lastly, it must find and share best practices to help boost their student’s success. Atlanta Public Schools is off to a great start.

UC San Diego! Where on Earth is Jesse Andrews?

Wow! This summer proved to be the best experience of my life! I traveled on R/V Melville, the boat that was in the original King Kong. For research of course. I went to Mexico with a wonderful Friend E. Hernandez. I got to meet law makers and politicians for a much needed discussion on health care in America. From Dallas to Washington D.C. and Chicago!
UC SD used me also as model to be posted on busses and bus stop advertisements.
This post will be pictures and articles that I wrote of the experience that I had. You can visit the site as well, https://sites.google.com/site/sandiegoseaflex/undergrad-view.
A True Champion posted Jul 16, 2012, 11:29 AM by Shannon Casey   [ updated Jul 16, 2012, 11:46 AM ]

A famous quote by the late Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, world class educator and civic leader, says “Life is just a minute only sixty seconds in it, forced upon you, can’t refuse it. Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it, but it’s up to you to use it. You must suffer if you lose it, give an account if you abuse it, just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it.” I can truly say I have been a true champion with my 248 hours of sea time! I am quite proud of myself and this achievement will be the highlight of my life for years to come. As I reflect I must do so with appreciation and gratefulness for such an opportunity. Photo: Jesse is grateful for his experiences on the San Diego Coastal Expedition. The environmental changes that take place in the ocean are real and this cruise collected data to help us understand the effects. Effects such as hypoxia, or reduced dissolving oxygen, acidification due to the increase pCO2 levels and low pH, and also ocean warming of 1°C, are issues we must address. I was glad I was on the Shelf Team, the team that used the ROV as the medium in which to assess these issues. The ROV allowed us, at times, to see what’s going on and what to expect. By no means is this information conclusive, as we only looked at summer conditions, but it is a guide as to where and what we should look at. The intensity with which the ROV team worked was, well, INTENSE! The research technicians worked just as hard as the ROV team. What better way to learn what is common and what is not, then by actually studying it? Being on the team made an impact on my understanding of marine ecology and marine animal behavior. Mike Navarro is an outstanding graduate student mentor. There was nothing I couldn’t learn from him and nothing he was not willing to teach me. At times we had to trawl at the bottom of the ocean which was a learning experience. The trawl captured some valuable information as to how the marine organism’s habitat changes with depth. Photo: Jesse (right) and his fellow student scientists make trawl operations fun! I met some amazing people. Faculty, graduate students, crew members, and other undergraduates I will work with in the future. They were very patient and very persistent. They enriched and enhanced my skill set by letting me work on many of their different projects. They even challenged me to broaden my perspective and to step outside my comfort zone. The San Diego Coastal Expedition was a fun and memorable experience and I look forward to many more oceanographic ventures this summer!-- Jesse Andrews, Morehouse College undergraduate student Lions, Tiger & Bears, Oh My?! posted Jul 16, 2012, 11:14 AM by Shannon Casey   [ updated Jul 16, 2012, 11:34 AM ] Lions, Tigers & Bears, no, not really. Now that I got your attention, I might as well tell you a little more about the San Diego Coastal Expedition. I really love being a scientist; it’s like sitting in the theater attentively watching a Jet Lee movie. Science keeps you on the edge of your seat. This cruise is truly amazing and I have enjoyed everything thus far. As I mentioned earlier, I have been heavily involved in all things on this cruise. From CTD casting and micro-bacterial filtering to multi-coring and ROV operations. Where else does an undergrad get a chance to experience such a phenomenal opportunity? Whether it’s physical oceanography or marine biology, this cruise has truly taught me the art of team work. It’s normal to work together as a team, but to innovate and collaborate with other teams all for the cause of science is remarkable. Again, I love being a scientist. Pulling all-nighters is normal for me as an undergraduate student who can sometimes procrastinate. However, these all-nighters are different. You get to experience some amazing things, from seeing polychaete worms to learning about the complexity of salps courtesy of Amanda Netburn. Salps are these cool tunicates that live in the epi- and mesopelagic zones. Also, I cannot forget my first look at brachiopods. These cool marine animals are filter feeders that can live at deep depths in the ocean. They often are confused with clams because they have similar morphological features. Photo: Salps attached to the multicorer after a nighttime deployment. Worms, Salps & Brachiopods, oh my! I am learning so much from the graduate students, I would have never thought titration could be so much fun! I did it in chemistry class my sophomore year, but like the year suggests, I was truly a wise fool because I didn’t think people would actually use it in the field. Well, back to work I go, it’s multicoring time!-- Jesse Andrews, Morehouse College undergraduate student Made at Scripps™ posted Jul 4, 2012, 11:27 AM by Shannon Casey   [ updated Jul 4, 2012, 5:21 PM ] Everything seems to be made in China, but when it comes to oceanography at Scripps, a majority of the tools used on this voyage are made by Scripps. This ranges from filters in the lab to nets used in the bio box on the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). These past few days teams have been working, collaborating, and adjusting these tools as necessary, and it’s amazing to see it all happen right before my eyes. Photo: Undergraduate student Jesse Andrews helps deploy Scripps' Remotely Operated Vehicle in San Diego waters. I have been a part of many operations that include the CTD casting, which is a tool used to measure conductivity, temperature, and depth of the water in the ocean, specifically in the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). This helps us measure the salinity of the water (conductivity), temperature, and depth so we can better understand and analyze the biological processes, such as metabolism, photosynthesis, and respiration that take place in the organisms. Could you imagine mud underwater?! The Shelf Team, which includes me, uses an ROV to examine the conditions of the organisms on the seafloor, includng one of my favorites, the Sebastes saxiola, or Rock Fish. We also have been able to use a miniature CTD to analyze the conditions many of these organisms live in. This is by far the coolest because we're 350 meters underwater! Photo: Jesse and fellow student scientists and volunteers learn the ropes from a research technician in preparation for retrieval of the CTD. And if you thought I was done then you’re absolutely wrong! Scripps graduate student Kirk Sato is leading a really “mini” project analyzing, filtering, and looking at bacteria in the ocean. When I say “mini” I mean microscopic, just on a bigger scale. Kirk is curious to know what bacteria live at certain depths in the ocean. These bacteria make up the organisms that inhabit the ocean and matter to their biological processes. I have been working on Kirk's team as well. There is plenty to do on the San Diego Coastal Expedition aboard R/V Melville, and I am glad I am able to learn on-the-spot and in-the-trenches. Oh wait, I've got to go. ROV time! I’ll tell you more later. -- Jesse Andrews, Morhouse College undergraduate student A New Found Venture posted Jul 1, 2012, 11:38 AM by Shannon Casey   [ updated Jul 1, 2012, 2:16 PM ] What was built in 1969, weighs 2,516 tons, and is 215 feet long? The greatest research vessel built by the U.S. Navy for research ever! Yup, R/V Melville. I am excited and in awe to know I will be assisting graduate students on the San Diego Coastal Expedition; a venture I never thought I would be taking. My motto is when opportunity knocks, answer it. Photo: Scripps graduate student Mike Navarro works with Jesse Andrews in the lab aboard R/V Melville Photo: Jesse Andrews (left) with Scripps graduate students and fellow ROV team scientists Mike Navarro and Amanda Netburn. For this expedition I will be working with very talented scientists on the Shelf Team using Scripps Institution of Oceanography's new Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). I had just taken a crash course in oceanography and I learned that in order to understand the ocean and the effects on it, we have to make scientific observations through the data we collect including salinity, dissolved oxygen, and carbon dioxide concentrations. The process is complex and the knowledge behind it is drawn out, but know that as these concentrations change, the ocean changes in response. These changes could be ecological or environmental. The rest will be explained in my later blog. As nervous as I am about being at sea for the first time, I'm confident that this will be an enriching experience for me as I get to see science up-close and personal and also collaborate on multiple levels to accomplish scientific research. As the French say in France, "Bon Voyage!" -- Jesse Andrews, Morhouse College undergraduate student

Why do I run a non-profit, minister to a congregation on Sundays, and take 19 credit hours at Morehouse College?

Oh I almost forgot, and run an entrepreneurial endeavor at the same time?
THIS IS WHY:
"11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches." (2 Corinthians 11:24-28 KJV)
It's called Tenacity! Get with it. Twice in two weeks, people bailed out on me for STUPID stuff, and I'm like....GET ON MY LEVEL, THEN QUIT! The world would collapse! Be President of The Unites States of America and then quit cause, "I just can't committ like I did before..." You'd flee the country!
This ain't poetry or a nursery rhyme or rap, this is grown black man talk! Paul knew exactly why he did what he was doing, I know why I'm doing what I'm doing, when will you know what you're suppose to be doing.
I say this in love cause you know who I'm talking about. If it offended you. Good. I didn't mean to miss you sir or ma'am!
Peace & Love
Jesse DeMonte Andrews

Summer & Fall 2010 Pt. 2

Dr. Eyles and Dr. Vivian Brown are the acknowledgment for this post. They dared to be different and to enrich the lives of so many Morehouse College students in their aspirations to be Well Traveled. It was this idea stated by our dynamic president, Dr. Robert M. Franklin, that started me to thinking about being internationally competent. I began planning for my trip to Grenoble, France, where I would be taking classes in Mathematics and French. Leaning about the culture and engaging on the international frontier. What a wonderful opportunity. However, I did not have the personal finance to pay for it. So I raised the money for two years.
First, I needed a passport. I ran into Mrs. Gwen Wade, Study Abroad Director at Morehouse College. To see if there was funding available from the college to fund my trip. She ensured me that there was funding available through a foundation called the Gilman Foundation, in which she was a board member and representative for the college. You know what? I wrote a letter explaining everything, I will copy it in this post. But I will say some life learned lessons from this:
Trust Paper. All of this would have been justified correctly if and only if Mrs. Wade signed a statement. Always have a paper trail. I had emails to prove her response, "I know nothing about this." Was a lie.
Sometimes You Will Hate God. God is in control of everything at all times. But this doesn't mean you won't feel the effects of His control. I was broken during this experience and went into a deep depression. I cried on the TGV! Didn't even get to enjoy that I was going 300mph. I prayed that my plane would crash over the Atlantic Ocean. I said, "Lord, don't let this plane land, crash it now!" I was serious.
You will bounce back. This experience helped me learn true forgiveness. I went back to her a year later. Yes, it took me a while. To tell her I forgave her. Ha! I remember I wanted to know what kind of car she was driving so that I  could bust her windows and key it real good. But I bounced back. I traveled extensively around the country and did top tier research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, Clark Atlanta University and a host of other terrific achievements, started a business that helps support a non profit that supports educational endeavors of college students and local youth.
God Will Take Care of You. I was evicted from my apartment and didn't have the financial support to even buy food. But God...(I'm having a praise break right now) Excuse me...
Here is the letter I sent to the President and their response was yes we can do that, then they said no in a follow up email after I thanked them. HBCU's are amazing.

"It was in January of this year that I had approached Mrs. Gwen Wade, Director of Study Abroad, concerning funding for Tour De Math Program. I was told by students who have studied abroad previously about the foundation called the Benjamin Gilman and went to Mrs. Wade for conformational advice on the scholarship. Her response was that day and the days leading up to the trip, “You should apply and encourage others to apply everybody gets it.” It was with this response that I advocated for The Gilman Scholarship to students who applied to other programs as well as mine. The Morehouse Pan African Global Experience Program (MPAGE), Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participants (LSAMP) and The Tour De Math Program. With that phrase in mind, encouraging others to apply because we were going to receive the scholarship. There were times when I sat in her office for hours to inquire about the scholarship to be sure this was legitimate, and the response was, “I sit on the selection committee, not for Morehouse, but I’m sure you’ll get it.”  The only thing stopping me from going on my trip was a passport to leave the country. With the sponsorship of the Division of Science and Mathematics at Morehouse College this was accomplished. There are numerous witnesses who are faculty and students who can attest to those statements made by Mrs. Gwen Wade and these names will be attached to this letter. It was in April that the deadline for internships and scholarships would be announced. It was close to the 15 of April and I was nervous concerning the Gilman Scholarship, I called and they told me that they had pushed the deadline a month later to May 15. I asked how students would be able to pay for their programs if their programs started on the 15 of May, I was told to upfront money to pay for it and reimburse the upfront money with the scholarship when I received it. I immediately sought Mrs. Wade on the issue because I did not have adequate funds to do so. She said, “Yes I know about the date change, and don’t worry about it, you’ll be fine.” Then I explained the internship offers that I had received if the scholarship was not going to work and I received the same answer. So I thought it was only right to deny my internship opportunities.

My plane ticket was bought early because Dan Cathy had personally wrote a check for my trip and to ensure that the money was spent on my plane ticket, Dr. Eyles made it convenient to spend only 1,000 dollars on my plane ticket by booking early. Dr. Eyles only booked the ticket when he was sure I was going to receive the funding for my trip.

I had went to France as was planned and told to Mrs. Wade. I had arrived on the 15^th of May and received the list of students who were funded from the Gilman Scholarship on the 18^th. I confronted Mrs. Wade concerning the list because no student from Morehouse received a scholarship from the Gilman Scholarship Foundation and was told, “It was not guaranteed source.” With no money, I am thankful for Dr. Eyles helping me make the swift transition back to the States, however, I had experienced a emotional breakdown that I am still recovering from.

There are many ways this situation should have been handled, Morehouse could be sued by request of my parents for the cost of the rest of my tenure at Morehouse College, Mrs. Wade could be fired, I could’ve been found dead somewhere in France. Unfortunately, through all this I lost everything I possessed, my apartment, my belongings due to eviction, and my dignity. With the strong love I have for Morehouse, I would be honored to say I brought this upon myself; however, this seems not to be the case.

My family and I have sat down and talked this issue over for the last month and I thought it would be only right to address this issue when the other students from the trip had returned so that they would not be disturbed by this problem. " -June 15, 2011

Summer & Fall 2010

Well, well, well. The last time I truly had talked with you all I was on my way to France. Before I go into detail about that I want to first appreciate my family, Lashan Andrews, Walter Andrews, Cindy Andrews, Gramo Andrews, Madeline Andrews, Bobby Andrews, Joseph Andrews, Shandrea Andrews, Travis L. Andrews. I want to thank my friends, Tate Hill II, Patricia Word, Lauretta Brooks, Bishop Samuel Doyle, Bishop Martin Luther Johnson, Dr. Jea Delsarte, Dr. J.K. Haynes, Aaron Hargrove, Christopher Holloway Jr., Antwann Micheal,  James Sampson Jr., Frank and Bonnie Johnson and Jameson White.

It was Jameson White who had imparted knowledge and the nerve to tell this awesome story. You see, I wasn't going to tell you what has happened to me this past year and a half, but what good is it to have an experience you can not share with others right? 

I want to start my saying, I have gone from a 3.32 g.p.a to a 2.5 and struggling to get it back to normal. Why? It wasn't that I was doing too much, I have had a hard time here in Atlanta. Ms. Carmel Simmons died while I was in school and she was the only one at the time that was allowing me to stay with her. Mother Pryor, my sainted church mother, died two weeks later. As bold and secure as I thought I was to handle it and continue through school, I truly wasn't. That was the initial fall of my GPA. My pastor was kind enough to allow me to stay with him and his family. Thank God for Men! I traveled every day 30-40 minutes into the city to get to my 8:00 am class. 

Another reason was because I was homeless, yes, I was homeless. People are always surprised when I mention this. I learned to worry for nothing. Truly, cause I could not change the circumstance. We need to stop telling people they can change their circumstance if they wanted to. THEY WANT TO, ITS NOT IN THEIR CONTROL. Some things God is THE ONLY one who can change the circumstance. Let's be real, please. 

My roommates and I was in transition from 100 Midtown to West Mar Student Lofts and we had to stay with an awesome friend Keith S. So we were homeless, but I had to leave because I did not have the money to pay for staying with Keith. Or at least that is what I was told. 

As if being homeless, deaths, and living 45 minutes from the city wasn't enough, I had financial problems with Morehouse. I will say the rate at which these schools raise tuition and fees across this country discourage students from at least attempting to do any good in society. I know people without degrees who are happy being executives of Fortune 500 companies!

We must begin to voice our concern and better ways in which the American people can invest in the lives of so many youth and young adults wanting to attend higher education whether it is a two or four year college or university. I struggled to get the funds to pay off a $10,000 deficit. But, I did it through scholarships and the generous support of those reading this blog. $15,200 was the final amount raised that year. Many of you may remember the email I sent asking for help to get a meal plan.

Lastly, I was flunked in two classes, one because, "Jesse, I don't believe you applied yourself." Another was because, "I thought you were a Senior." ...you fill in the blanks as to how I felt about that. The first statement made me upset and the second made me depressed. I was in Louisville, Kentucky at a Summer Medical and Dental Education Program DEPRESSED!  One of my church member complained and said, "You're too far to be getting grades like that and you pay too much money." If she was in my shoes I think she would at least rephrased her comment. 

This is all I will say for this chapter in my little life. I will now begin talking about the France preparation and trip. 

Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready

Get ready as I will begin updating the blog from my last entry of going to France and what spiraled from there!

TwitterChat Part I

Join Jesse Andrews for a TwitterChat Friday, March 16 2012 at 6 pm as we discuss crucial issues about parenting today. Here's how to join me: --At 6 pm est visit Jesse's twitter at http://www.twitter.com/bjdandrews. --Follow along with this hashtag #ptchat --Participate by sharing your ideas, and asking questions as he moderates and posses questions discussion topics. Spread the news!

Merry Christmas

My Summer Voyage

Good Evening Family & Friends,
I hope this email find you being successful and purposeful in your endeavors to create a better today, tomorrow, and embrace the lessons of yesterday!
As many of you may know or are finding out for the first time. I will be in France this summer for my study abroad in Mathematics and French Courses. This was an opportunity that I have been blessed in planning and anticipating for a year. The time has come for me to embrace the swift summer transition and I wanted to ensure that you were abreast of the wonderful things that are taking place in my life, as many of you have invested so much into my life, and for that I am eternally grateful. Your hearts have been touched by the many advocacy projects and community engagement assignments that I have been blessed to work with you on so many occasions. All this information is posted as well on my blog. It will be through my blog that I will keep you informed as well through pictures and articles concerning the experience. In an effort to cut cost hear and there, my phone is inactive until my return, and the best way to reach and communicate effectively with me is through email, Facebook, Twitter, and Skype.
My username for all of it is: Bjdandrews
My Blog information is: www.jdcollegeexperience.blogspot.com
If you can not find me please do not hesitate to ask me and I will gladly assist you.
My summer is quite eventful as I will be:
College Tour
May 8-13
France
May 14-June 19
Washington D.C.~ United Health Conference
June 21-23
Hawaii~ Green Hawaii Youth Conference
June 27th-July 1st
California~ Fresno, Ca
July 3rd-29th
Atlanta ~ School Preparatory Period
August 30th
Whew! That is quite a lot! But its well worth it! As I endeavor to serve people and help change lives, I want to encourage you to pray, keep me in mind, and periodically contact me.
Lastly, I would love to share these awesome experiences with you all, please do not hesitate to ask me. The only thing I ask is that you do it in a timely manner.

Well, IM OFF!
Unto You Exceeding Great and Precious Promises,
Jesse DeMonte Andrews '13 
Community Youth Leader
Youth Journalist

830 Westview Dr., S.W.
PO Box 141983
Atlanta, Ga 30314
770.885.8881

The Exception Campaign

Join In Giving Today, Exception Campaign

Scholarship Campaign Coming To You

“A saving remnant continually survives and persists, continually aspires, continually shows itself in thrift and ability and character.” –W.E.B. DuBois

Dear Family, Friends & Supporters,

I want to inform you about an awesome campaign that you can help make a reality. This campaign will change lives, turn tides in history, and give meaning to the way philanthropic behavior presents itself in our modern day society. Entrepreneurship is a French derived word that means, according to the Princeton Word Dictionary, as someone who organizes a business venture and assumes the risk for it. This is nothing new to my spectrum of work and expertise, as I have challenged the wealth figures in the nation whom politics deemed intangible. I have spoken up against youth inequality and the right to voice their concerns on many of the pressing decisions made by the “grown up” generation. I have placed hope back into the hearts of more than one hundred school dropouts to continue their education. Taking risks is what I am quite familiar with.

I want to introduce you to an innovative idea that has never been charted by the young minds of society. This idea is simply the:

“The Exception Campaign”

We have all heard that, “It takes a Village to Raise A Child”, but what is expected of those children whose villages are corrupt with gang violence, racial discrimination, drug abuse, and hopelessness? This campaign is designed for just that reason and a little deeper. Many do succumb to the pressures of their environment, and yet many have become the exception to the game players of life. Those exceptions need our support and our help with educational expenses.

I want to personally invite you to support this awesome campaign with a $20 donation. When you donate, 10% of the proceeds will be given to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Breast Cancer Association. Take this opportunity to Give Today!

Yours Truly,

Jesse DeMonte Andrews

Boy, Time Flies When You Are Having Fun!

This summer was an expedition that I will never forget as I had spent six weeks in the Blue Grass State herself, Kentucky! What a wonderful experience that was being able to meet 80 other interesting young people. Now, since the last time I left you, I left you with the impression that I was going to Ghana, Africa, things had changed as I couldn’t purchase my passport just yet. But just as sure as I writing you today, I will have a passport this year!

I want to make sure that you all are aware of my goals and objectives when it comes to studying abroad. It is imperative that I take advantage of the opportunity during the summers because the rigorous curriculum at Morehouse College would not permit the leisure of engaging in activities such as study abroad during the school semesters. When I do study abroad my desire and intent is to study abroad in China. I want to be able to understand and research the various methodological approaches to medicine in the Chinese cultures and traditions.

My journey started with Amtrak! I am an Amtrak Scholar, so I was given a voucher to ride Amtrak and what better way to experience the East Coast than going through the “Eastern Frontiers”. I witnessed the beautiful states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, DC, Chicago, Il, Ohio, Maryland, and Indiana.

I was a part of the AAMC’s Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) at the University of Louisville. This program is designed to expose pre-medical/dental students to the life of medical/dental school as future practicing physicians. This program in Louisville is one of the many sites that this program is held at. I chose Louisville because of the organized schedule, the stipend, and the opportunity to be in a place that I have never been before. I got just that and more! This 6 week program helped me understand calcium, insulin and cardiovascular diseases and a host of other things, that you would not have the time to sit here and read, but just know when I become a doctor and you step in my office you will walk out aware of these concepts and such. I had the opportunity to enjoy Kentucky cuisine such as Derby Pie! You have not had pie until you have had the pleasure of delighting yourself with Derby Pie. Also, I got to see awesome sites like the famous Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. People from all over the world flock every year to experience the Kentucky Derby and I got to see and learn how it all happens. I had the privilege to fellowship with the Bible Way Church of God in Christ Family, and befriend others from around the country, like Jonathan Davies, Norbert Rosario, Shanda Lewis and many others. The staff were very hospitable and excellent in the execution of leadership and knowledge. Lastly, I thank God for the hard, untiring work of Dr. James Railey, and Dr. Silvia Cole who made a big impact on my life as I was able to commit to the decision of achieving my MD in Internal Medicine.

As you can read I had an awesome summer and one I will hopefully never forget! As school starts I have also made some bigger decisions in the way of growth and development in my life. I have an apartment with two of the world’s best innovative leaders, I could not find anywhere else, Aaron M. Hargrove and Christopher M. Holloway Jr.

To be able to be who I am and to develop into such an awesome young man (yes, I made a conceited statement) I would be regretful not to thanks ALL who had made this possible. I want to thank the men and women who invested not only their time, but money, into the success and accomplishments that have allowed me to have such an experience. I humbly bow in gratitude to thank you!

Continue to stay encourage as I continue to become:

Well Balanced, Well Dressed, Well Read, Well Traveled, and Well Balanced!

Yours truly,

Jesse DeMonte Andrews

And Were Off!

This semester has started off a rocky and challenging year that has proved itself not ready to quit. But I'm hopeful that these troubles won't last always. This year I have been faced with many challenges and have travailled over most of them and still plowing.
I want to again thank all of you who continue to support my endeavor in my education as I move forward.
My classes are great and the Professors are outstanding as they push us to the breaking academic limit that we are capable and and can go beyond to accomplish. Hey, if you don't believe so, please write my 10 page historical overview poem on the contrast between the Haitian and French Revolution! Pleeeease!
I have already been funding conscious as the summer approaches. Applying to internships and summer enrichment programs to keep me occupied and engaged in my educational experience. So far im looking through a broad perspective across the world in Ghana in the Morehouse Pan Africa Global Experience. This program allows me to take classes and learn about West African Culture up close and personal! With God on your side nothing is too ridiculous and adventure is always fun and available. We have to be equipped to accept the challenges!
I have had the opportunity to travel to Knoxville for my summer vacation. Everybody has questioned “why Knoxville, not Miami?” Well, I’m an odd-ball and have never followed the crowd! Earlier before that I had another opportunity to visit Charleston, South Carolina to the E.E. Just Symposium at the Medical University of South Carolina and that was an experience that I will never forget! As you can tell I have been keeping myself occupied and academically involved.
Now here's my spiritual nuggets to help those young men that you know or may be reading this blog. A few weeks a go I told my Sunday School Class that Extravagent love is: Love so extra that I will go to the extreme to let you know that i meant it. In your walks in the neighborhood, on the streets or running errands, do no count yourself out because you are capable and well able to succeed in life. Just like in elementary school when you got in trouble and the school called your mama, and mama would tell them up and down that you didnt do it and that behavior is not of her son. And you know you did it! You should have that same attitude when it comes to other people in your life. Never look at the bad things about people but learn some goood things about them and watch you learn so things that are beneficial to your success. Lastly, you have to make up in your mind each and everyday that you are going to accomplish something beneficial to help move you forward and stick with it. I know for sure that those homework assignments in high school are worth a dime when it comes to college, but they taught me time management skills and discipline to get them done before the due date that has helped me ace my classes here at Morehouse. Stay focused!

May God Richly Bless You And Keep You,

J.D. Andrews
Morehouse College
830 Westview Dr. S.W.
PO Box 141983
Atlanta, Ga 30314
770.885.8881

My First Semester Report

CRN	Subject	Course	Course Title	Midterm Grade	Final Grade
41534	HBIO	111	General Biology	C	B-
43543	HBIO	111L	G. Biology Lab
41765	HEDU	151	Freshman Orientation		P
41768	HEDU	153	Freshman Assembly		P
42819	HENG	101G	English Composition I	B	A-
43529	HHIS	111G	World History	C+	B
42867	HMTH	100G	College Algebra	C	A
42728	HPHI	201G	Intro. To Philosophy	B-	B+

2010 Here I Come!

It has truly been an awesome Freshman School year that I can truly say is a experience to remember. This year started off right and I’m finishing with a bang! BANG! I have had wonderful relations with my professors. If you ever want to get ahead in class always email, greet and be presentable to your professors. They can make you or break you. And if you get enough complaints in the administration you can too. This year many profound speakers have embraced the class of 2013 and gave us valuable information that will enhance and inspire us to greatness. I have been working hard in many organizations ON CAMPUS, The Public Health Association, The Health Career Society, and the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. These have been invigorating opportunities that have allowed me to change my perspectives on life and stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This Thanksgiving there was a lot to be thankful for. I spent the Thanksgiving Break with my Pastor, Pastor Frank Johnson, who is also a Morehouse Graduate. His family allowed me to experience the Southern Thanksgiving. I ate, I laughed, I slept. Julius Caesar said, “I saw, I came, I conquered.” I could not conquer sleep, that’s out of the question. I met some very intelligent friends from around the world and have met some distinguished guest, such as Andrew Young, Julian Bond, and Judge Hatchett. I had the opportunity to do my pilgrimage to Memphis, Tennessee for the 102nd Holy Convocation of the Church of God in Christ. Many acknowledge my accomplishments of being the 2009-2010 recipient for the Women’s Department Scholarship. I met some of my good friends, Cleon Sykes, Bishop M.L. Johnson and many others.

This year has allowed me to raise $15,000 for my education through scholarships. Wachovia, Amtrak, Morehouse, and newly aspiring Coca-cola scholarship of $20,000. That is a total of $35000 that has been raised for my education! WOW! I can feed a lot of enemies at the dinner table!

I want to personally thank ALL of you who helped make this possible! Without you allowing God to touch your heart and move in your life, i would not be here today. I bow down to tell you thank you.

If you do not learn anything from this documentation of my college experience, learn this: When you do what God tells you to do, do not doubt him. It is normal to do so, but do not let your doubt become a hindrance from completing what He told you to do. I came here with nothing and left with riches untold. He’s done so much for me that it would take days for me to tell you. Maybe I should write a book about it and let you read it for yourself. God specializes in things impossible. I am so thankful I am impossible!!!

Stay encourage and on the path God has destined for you,

Jesse DeMonte Andrews

Check it out!

Check out the new blog that J.D. has created.
wwww.jdtrustfund.blogspot.com

What a Mighty God I Serve!

Bonjour!

I thought I would start this off right! I will be taking French next year, so you probably should get use to seeing and hearing that word. What a week this has been a week of gratefulness, excitement as well as nervousness. Hello and welcome to JD’s College Experience Blog.
This week I went to many lectures that were outside of class, taken many test and was the studious man I never thought I could be. It started off slow but sped up as the week went on. I am slowly, but it’s happening, progressing toward those high grades in Biology. I have taken two exams and those exams count as a midterm grade. The first exam I had barely made the “C”. I was not happy; others said “at least you made it”. I will never become happy with barely passing, just as the rich are not happy with barely being rich and the poor, barely surviving! The problem was the test taking skills that I use. I AM NOT A GOOD TEST TAKER! Two answers apparently seem right or they are interconnected somehow. I had even over studied.
The second time I did not study quite as hard. Read, asked, glimpsed over notes, but did not study too hard. I had got a “C” but it was five points higher than the last. Again, progressing slowly, but progressing.
Philosophy was amazingly inspiring as we dissected and analyzed St. Augustine and his thoughts on the mind, body and soul. Read it for yourself to get a better understanding than I can really explain it. Just know that God knew what he was doing when it comes to Good and Evil.
Judge Hatchett came and spoke at our Crown Forum on Thursday about the Crisis of Black Men in America. WOW! She taught us how not to be content in the way we are statistically place in society. If there is anything we are great in as black men, it seems to be statistics! She tackled the theme of having Hope for A New Day and A New Promise. Being strong and righteous for the journey, our ancestors did not pave the way so we can walk on it until we reached the end and then walk backwards, they paved it so we can move forward and continue moving forward. (I hope you caught that) She passed the torch to me, “Baby, run on!” I have grabbed it and with every inch of my being I will run till I can not seem to run any more! Why? Judge Hatchett claimed me as hers and if I do not, she is going to get me, that’s why! Also, because I have a responsibility to pass the torch on to someone else. Life comes with winds and rains, sleets and snows and the fire will want to be relieved of its duties, but I have to keep it lit for the young man who needs hope for the future, the young women who will one day be a nurse in Grady Hospital, the young man who will take the seat behind a Nascar automobile, and to fulfill my destiny.
Let me tell you a story, this week God has been showing Himself as the strong tower, and provider that many saints testify Him to be. Last week I had a balance of around $6,000 dollars that I had owed to the school. Being financially stable is a BLESSING! I had worried, been frustrated, confused, and depressed about what was going to happen to me and how I was going to fill this gap. Yesterday, I read over my statements to acquire the knowledge about the balance and create a plan to get the money. I’m a visionary, so I plan out everything, even what I’m going to do when I get to the restroom. As I read my statement a joy enveloped the very being of my life and filled the crevices of my heart. My balance is $79! $79! $79! What shocked me was not how much money it was. The plan in which I was going to implement was nothing compare to what God was going to do! If anyone tells me that God will not provide and then says that there is no HOPE. I’ve got only one thing to say, “WAIT”.
Tomorrow, Sprite will host a Step Show on our campus. I look forward to seeing the step off because it’s apart of my southern experience.
I hope that this blog gave you a quick refreshing, and that you were blessed by my thoughts and words. You can write me, email me, and even call me if you have any questions or you just need to talk.

I want you to know that I love you, be encouraged, and stay inspired,
Au revoir!

J.D. Andrews

830 Westview Dr., S.W.
P.O. Box 141983
Atlanta, GA 30314
770.885.8881
Bjdandrews@aol.com