Inspirations: Z is for Zaner SA

Image by DrAjao

(The SUPERS have resurfaced!)

You guys, this May marked A DECADE since I graduated from College! And although I have been in the field for almost 10 years, I was inspired by an exceptional young lady, the Student Keynote Speaker at The University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) 2013 Commencement activities for The School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.

Her name is Ms. Stefanie Anne Zaner, but pretty soon, the scientific world will know her well as Zaner SA. Well, actually, Ms. Zaner was first know as The Iron Kid of Darnestown who completed 13 years of elementary, middle and high school without a single absence.

Ms. Zaner became just as impressive in College, as she didn't just BS to get a BS! Having received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology this May, Ms. Zaner earned a University Honors Citation and has been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Primannum Honor Societies. She was the type of student who "camped outside her professors' offices," using all the resources available to her as a student who invested in her own education.

You would think she would forsake all else and face the studies as a "responsible scholar". Rather, she believed in the power and opportunity found in student involvement. She was President of the Charles R. Drew Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Society; Head Recruitment Ambassador for the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, and played the clarinet as a member of the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band and the Pep Band for all 4 years.

Student activity is great; but so is that moo-lah. Ms Zaner was a Teaching Assistant for Biometrics and Mammalian Physiology. She has been a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Child Health and Development. Finding opportunities to apply her book knowledge, she was also a Radiology Assistant at Washington Hospital Center.

Now she is going to complete a Post-Bac Research Training program, then off to Med School! She is impressive indeed! Ms. Zaner is living proof that busy girls get it done--and that they do it big!

So to all my Super Women out there excelling in life;

Skillfully managing spirituality, academia, career, family, service and self;

I salute you!

Zaner SA, I hope to hear more about you through your activities in science, research and medicine; and definitely in the media! You've truly inspired me that it is possible to do it all, and do it well. Congratulations!

Enjoy Zaner SA’s Witty Keynote Address on

The ABCs According to the UMCP Class of 2013

Based on evidence-based research: real student survey responses.

Genius!

Proverbs 31: Was there really a virtuous man?

Any time we refer to Proverbs 31:10-31, we assume that the woman described had a great husband by her side. But what if he really wasn't so virtuous?

Of course he could have been Mr. Money Bags, providing at will.

But what if he wasn't a provider in his home?...

And yet, she worked willingly with her hands and provided (vs. 13-15)

And, you know, he may have been an ample leader spiritually, financially and in every way.

But what if he wasn't a leader in her home...

Even then, she made wise decisions, invested and made a profit (vs 16)

He could have been rather strong with his toned abs, rippling muscles and ever-willingness to help.

But what if he simply appeared to be lazy...

Still she girded up her loins with strength and strengthened her arms. (vs 17)

On the same note, he could have been a hard worker all the time.

But what if it seemed like he slept all day, and played all night?...

Yet she worked hard all day AND her candle stayed lit by night (vs 18-19)

He could have lavished her with all that she could ever want.

But what if he didn't buy her expensive clothes and pay for the latest fashions?

Well, she laid her hands to the spindle and made her own clothes, lavishing herself with luxury (vs 21- 22)

He could have been an expert in tuning in to her feelings; being attentive to her longings

But then again, he could have never been there to hearken to her needs.

What if he never talked to her or made her feel loved?

What if he were a mean man, even abusive to some extent?

Yet still, instead of using biting and hurtful words, she opened her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue was the law of kindness. (vs 26)

He could have been the Ever-Present Man.

But he also could have been emotionally and physically absent from his family...

Yet she looked well to the ways of her household. (vs 27)

And even if he spent his waking moments doing aimless things,

She did not eat the bread of idleness (vs 27)

What if there were no virtuous man? Then the woman described in this passage was virtuous indeed! Despite the circumstances, she played her role excellently and her children and husband called her blessed and praised her. If this truly were the case, then her description as being clothed with strength and honor has greater meaning (vs 25)!

She is described as a woman who fears the Lord. Could it be that since she embarked upon her role so excellently that it was indicative of a true fear of God?

What if there were no virtuous man? Then wouldn't it be amazing to have so graciously have handled her circumstances and endured to reap the rewards at the end.

Even if her husband wasn't really that virtuous man, you won't ever know. She probably didn't complain to a bunch of her girlfriends or embarrass him in public. Rather, her husband was revered and honored; he was known in the gates because of her stellar reputation (vs 23). That's why we really don't know if there were actually a virtuous man!

So was there a virtuous man?

We will never know.

Lyrics by tia 2012
Original image courtesy of Tunji Sarumi

The Proverbs 31 Diva

The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is like everything I've ever wanted to be! This piece was inspired when I was on maternity leave with my son. At the time, I would dream about the possibilities of being just like her through the opportunities presented to me as an entrepreneur. So here's what I think is an example of a virtuous woman in modern day times. I like to revisit it to remind myself of the goal.

THE PROVERBS 31 DIVA

Where are my Proverbs 31 Divas at? Her type is hard to find.
She is worth more than a brilliant multi-stoned diamond and emerald platinum ring.

Her husband is satisfied; he ain’t looking anywhere else.

She is a tremendous blessing to him. He doesn’t know what he’d do without her. She treats him like a king.

She shops for the best fabrics from the top retailers and gives them to her favorite designers to create her exquisite style. She ain’t lazy. She spends dollar time doing dollar work ever so willingly.

She travels far for business and brings back valuable lessons that impact her finances.

She gets up at 5:00am, makes sure there’s food for the family and organizes her day. Ya’ll, she’s got a maid and a personal assistant! She delegates to them and pays them well. She’s got her 6 most important things to do each day.
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She knows a great investment when she sees it. She invests her money in worthy causes like her Mary Kay. With the money she earns she reinvests 60% and expects great increase.

She musters up courage to face her obstacles. She rolls up her sleeves and dives right in with no fear. She is productive and disciplined.

She knows her merchandise is top of the line. With confidence she works hard to make things happen. She’s up late workin’ it.

Her hands are busy with her money producing activities. She also enjoys reading books to develop herself, listening to motivational messages, and encouraging herself in the Lord. She contributes substantially to the finances of her family.

She pays attention to people who are in need. She doesn’t ignore them; she gives out of love and gratitude.

She ain’t afraid when it gets cold; in fact, her man and her kids are properly GQed and Divafied all year round!

Whether it’s Gucci or Worthington, she is original and on point and looks good all the time.

Yeah, you know her husband. He’s that sexy, supportive man that always has her back. He’s free to do whatever he wants and does good, making things happen. He takes his place among the leaders of the land.

She presents her merchandise with class and charisma. She sells big and delivers over and beyond with excellent customer service.

She’s that strong, dignified, tenacious-inspirational-active woman. She knows her future is great

She is wise. She is kind. She is so divine. She loves to motivate other women to be the same.

After God comes her family. She pays attention at home. She invests her time in productive things

Her children love and respect her. They are grateful for her influence and example
Her husband can’t stop applauding her

He says “Girl, there are good women and then there’s you. You are truly a step above the rest!”

Some people are liked because of their swagga, some because they’re just plain gorgeous but to have those plus the fear of God? Now that’s something!

Let her see the results of all of her hard work. Let her bask in the increase of her investments.

Amen.

Lyrics by tia
01/26/10