Amid new year’s preparations, I steal a moment alone to jot down the things I aim to achieve in the coming year.

On May 17th from 4:30-6:00pm, I will join a group of local authors on the St. Cloud Elementary School blacktop as we read and share our stories! Children will be able to write their own ending to “My Uncle is an Alien” and there will be free giveaways, while supplies last.

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On this Juneteenth, I am driven more than ever to have honest conversations at the dinner table, church, and anywhere else about Juneteenth and its significance. I know that doing so is one way I can pay homage to my ancestors and the sacrifices they made.

On Saturday, June 11, Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association (ECMAA) will host a yearly event to kick-off summer. See flyer below for details.

I will be reading My Uncle is an Alien and will have free giveaways while supplies last. There will also be activities for the entire family including tug-of-war, fun races, and a special celebration for recent graduates.

I’m no psychologist but life experience has thought me that positive words can inspire, uplift, and give hope. With the recent wave of violence, it is more important now than ever that we become intentional on the words we use with our children.

My mother Shetaye Nigussie – better known as Aty – has taught me many lessons in life. She taught me how to be a good mom – patience is the key, and a whole lot of love. She taught me how to have a happy marriage – listen intently and support one another, in good times and bad. She also taught me how to make it in Corporate America and I apply these lessons each day.

On a rainy weekend in April, I visited LEGOLAND in Goshen, NY, with my husband and two sons, ages 4 and 9. My oldest wanted to visit LEGOLAND and spend the night in the new hotel, in honor of his birthday. Because there is so much to write about, I am dividing my review into three sections: the LEGOLAND Hotel Experience, the LEGOLAND Theme Park Experience, and Was it Worth It?

A humanitarian crisis looms over Ukraine, cities have run out of food and supplies of medicine are running low. If there was ever a time to mobilize, it is now.

As an Ethiopian, my heart goes out to those impacted by the recent Bronx fire. Eleven of the victims were from Gambia and so this tragedy hits home. My thoughts and prayers are with those that have been affected.

Now, though, is the time to turn prayer into action.

As I walked inside the first classroom, I couldn’t help but think of my elementary school days as a newcomer to America. I came to the United States at the age of six and because I didn’t know any English, I was pulled from the first grade and put into kindergarten. Back then, there was a sense of helplessness and unfamiliarity. And now, I return to classrooms as an Author to read my book to children, bright-eyed and full of hope – like I once was.