During my freshman year of college I stayed in Wheatley dorm, which was definitely not one of FAMU’s best housing facilities in more ways than one. But I was told that the residents would compensate for whatever the dorm may have been lacking in, including but certainly not limited to:
- Hot water
- Mold free walls
- Heating and Air
But I digress…
“Sweetly Wheatley” women, as I came to find out weren’t so sweet. When I moved in, I thought it would be a good idea if I wrote quotes for the hall to see. So I posted a dry erase board to my door and I remember my first quote being “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” by Brigham Young. As the days went by, the quotes went over well. I would hear people stop in front of the door to read them, some would even discuss them with their friends. I didn’t mind the extra sound because it felt good to share a little inspiration. One day, about a month in, I came in from class and noticed that the quote that I’d written that morning was wiped away. Surprised, I rewrote it and retreated inside of the room. From that day forth every quote I wrote would be wiped away when I came back from class. After two weeks of this, I grew frustrated and giving up seemed like my best option. That was until I told my roommate, “What if I wrote a bible quote? They wouldn’t wipe away the word.” Well, I was wrong, and I felt defeated. You see, in my mind, I was only trying to help my dorm mates by giving them a little extra push during this college journey.
Needless to say, I stopped posting on the board. After a week, a friend I’d made in Wheatley came by with two girls and they asked, “What happened to the quotes? We looked forward to them.” I explained to them what I had been dealing with and they insisted I continue. My resident assistant even called me into her office and asked the exact same question they’d asked. I gave her the same response. Even though I was met with a few protests, I was content with my decision to not write on the board again.
Looking back, I wish I would have continued. I let one bad apple spoil the bunch and affect what I was trying to accomplish. What I want for you is to continue to do what you know is right. The Bible says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) I gave up, but you shouldn’t.
If you are doing good things and you feel as if no one notices or people aren’t appreciative, don’t stop. Do good, be good, and I promise that you will reap your reward.
From me to you, Love. 
