After working on my Masters in Mathematics and Statistics, I took a few years off to reflect on my life goals. In fact, I was offered an immediate admission into a PhD program in Mathematics at the time. However, I was on a personal spiritual journey of self-discovery; I consequently, antithetically, decided to enroll in a doctoral program in Education Leadership.

 

My friends wondered why I chose this particular route for my research, I explained that I was on a quest to find meaningful answers to existential questions such as: "What is self-efficacy, equity, and resilience?"

 

It was evident to me that my spirit was thirsting to understand the fundamentals of "Unbreakable Spirit."

 

As a doctoral researcher in Leadership: Curriculum and Instruction, I explore psychological ideas such as self-actualization, identity crisis, consciousness, equity, and change. I ask myself what it takes to leave a lasting change in society, I also wonder if equity is a myth or a reality. I go further by looking at student achievement and retention.

 

As an immigrant and now as an African American, I explore the psychology of immigrants and non-immigrants amidst unexpected setbacks.

 

As a woman in a changing world, I reflect on feminism and evolution.

 

As a mother, I reflect on important life lessons such as forgiveness, authenticity, humility, and unity.

 

I write from my heart. I write to heal my heart, and in the process I write to heal others' hearts.

 

If I were to travel 10 years back in time, my younger self would never believe this story, never.

 

On this note, in my writing, I create fictional characters that are inspired by true events.

 

Compelled by my desire to be true, prompted by authenticity, and motivated by a calling to leave a roadmap for the next generation, I write, I dare to speak, I dare to express, I dare to dream and I dare to believe.

 

With this said, it appears that my motto as an author, speaker, mentor, and poet is,

 

“I write from my heart. I write to heal my heart, and in the process I write to heal others' hearts.”

 

In 11.11.11 After so Many Years of Tears, Letters to My Distant Soul-Mate, I have written a book about authenticity in a world of survival. It is also an original voice, a personal journey and a breakthrough tale in a world of sales and sensationalism.

 

People often ask me, “What is your book about?”

 

And I never know how to condense 142 pages into an elevator speech; they henceforth receive a different answer each time depending on my spiritual truth for the day. As I reflect on my responses, I will have to say that the recurring theme in my responses is,

 

“It is an African American story about authenticity, vulnerability, consciousness, and hope. One should never give up in life.”

 

In that answer, I realize that my book is an extension of my doctoral dissertation journey; it is a novel for men and women on healing, openness, self-awareness, and self-actualization.

 

Ultimately, I hope to connect with one longing soul out there that will say, 

 

"Me too!"

 

Male or female, younger or wiser, universal and unique, I invite you to journey into BENYF world.

 

Warmly,

Benyf