Nikia Harris is a contributor to Planet Arthur. Her specialties include music articles and lifestyle topics
SARATOGA SPRINGS – …It is just the beginning of the Saratoga Hustle bustle, Tulips, Patio Furniture on side walks… oh yea, and GRADUATIONS!
Oprah Winfrey is going to be on the stage of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Speaking at Skidmore College’s 2017 Commencement Ceremony. I know this speech is directed towards the students of 2017, But I will take this moment in time, to reflect on my own personal growth, and listen to her words of encouragement.
It seems as Spring Break Flew by, and now the summer is starting. Thursday night Brad Paisley took the stage at SPAC and now OPRAH?! Congratulations Skidmore Graduates!
When my friend triggered my memory last night over casual conversation about who was staying at their neck of the woods, my immediate thought was too groove a little with a three snaps in a z formation, and praise the sun. Sing hallelujah to the holy one. (Forgive me. I hope you feel my excitement).
At 10:40 this morning, You can catch me at Spa State Park with my frisbee, Suntan lotion, and my beautiful daughters sunbathing, experiencing a once in a lifetime thing. This event just puts a cherry on top of what already inspires me too be out and about dancing around this small town I graduated high school from.
Even though I may not be graduating from school. I have recently graduated from my 20’s. I graduated into having the mentality of knowing if I want something bad enough, I need to do whatever it is necessary in order to pursue what makes my heart tick whatever that may be at that particular time. (It changes frequently. With 3 different types of business cards, two toddlers, maintaining a cottage on a farm, and multiple freelance and community volunteer work, I’d say I’m doing pretty well.)
How I got that far? Being young in a time where woman were starting to take a stand in the acting industry, not only just acting, but being their own boss. I grew up watching woman like Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O’Donnell, These Diamonds in the 90’s – made my late 2000’s, and make me want to chase after them all over 2017 and into 2020. Good thing I bought Oprah’s book that came out in late January, and am down 18 more pounds to keep up with them.
All I know, is when I wore suspenders, and leggings, I booked it off the school bus and ran home through the trailer park, making sure I had time to microwave my hotdog before Oprah came on.
She was one of the people who influenced me, and I looked forward to listening to her. The way she was so personal with her colleagues, dedicated, and asked real life questions, to real life people. She is a beautiful soul who made mine so gentle and one of the reasons I am so giving. To have Oprah Winfrey be in my hometown, on a Saturday, when I have no plans… (insert Alanis Morrisette’s “Isn’t it ironic, Don’t ya think?” HERE
You can watch a Live Stream the event by the way, if you can’t come stroll the park! Skidmore College will simulcast the Commencement Exercises in its entirety. To view the live stream, go to the Skidmore home page at HERE The simulcasting will begin at 10:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 20.
Congratulations Skidmore Class of 2017! May you celebrate your graduation remembering special memories from your past and exciting dreams for your future.
Nikia Harris
May 20, 2017
Nikia Harris is a contributor to Planet Arthur. Her specialties include music articles and lifestyle topics
