Keisha Whitaker Pays a Visit to Classical 5/19/2009
45 Minutes With Keisha Nash Whitaker by Brianda Agramonte
“I’m intimidated by you guys. You’re only sophomores c’mon now” said the model, humanitarian, and apparently very comical, Keisha Nash Whitaker. Speaking in front of the school she graduated from in 1990, and the teachers that watched her grow throughout high school might have sparked those nerves. Telling warm stories like her run in with her old High School principal, and our current principal, Mr. Warren White, made her seem totally down to earth and completely approachable. Her genuine sense of humor and relatable qualities, and not to mention her to-die-for closed cream gladiator heels*, made her easy to listen to. Personally, her sincere words also overshadowed my rushing thoughts of “Holy c**p! I’m in the same room as a celebrity!”
So, what exactly did Mrs. Whitaker talk about? In a nutshell, the gathering was about not limiting yourself to what you can do and that dreams really do come true-cut the rising orchestral score- she wasn’t a boring “join-my-cult-now-or-live-with-the consequences” motivational speaker. She just gave us the positive aspect of setting goals for your self. She managed to balance the pretty side of dreaming with the cut- throat and honest truth:
THERE WILL BE STRUGGLES, OBSTACLES, AND NON-BELIEVERS.
With her struggle in breaking through as a model in New York, she knows what its like to be broken down and rejected. Nevertheless, with her courage, strength, and fight, she is where she is today. “Visualizing your dreams and goals is realistic,” she said and I was moved. After hearing that sentence, I won’t shy away from ever achieving my dreams and goals. Just remember, it’s a matter of hard work and determination that you can go where you want to go in life.
* Beautiful Gladiator Heels are optional.
Mr. White and Mr. Constantino knew Keisha in her Classical days.
Keisha is with her posse from Girls, Inc.
Me, the reporter, with Keisha.
"We had a great time ! "