Colin Powell said to have a vision. Not to have one vision. So what's to say that I, a Black woman, cannot walk the deserts, swim the seas, or traverse the skies? For far too long, I bought into the misconception that a Black woman's ambition was synonymous with delusion, and selfishness. I used my graciousness for the opportunities that I have today as an excuse to stop working toward tomorrow. Against this logic, Powell's quote defines what it means to be a passionate Black woman with the freedom to indulge in every little interest. Because no matter how minor it may be, each vision is worthy of being demanding.

At a young age, hearing the question 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' roped me into the idea that I should be content with one vision for the remainder of my life. After discovering my talent for building, I was adamant about becoming an architect. However, unlike my ancestors, I feared because I had the privilege to dream, I no longer had the right to dare. I began searching for the one, perfect architecture college. With every tour, interview, information session, I failed to feel that spark.

Why could I not just be satisfied? I slowly began to panic. That is until the reassuring words of my college advisor put my fears to rest. She asked, 'have you ever felt unwavering passion toward one thing?' And I struggled to answer because chasing one school, the perfect school, did not give me fulfillment but instead made me blind to all other educational opportunities that were deserving of my attention and my very best attempts. Therefore, my education is now built by some of the many passions in my life that are worthy of being pursued unapologetically. Such as environmentalism, journalism, architecture, or seizing the opportunity to one day travel the world. I refuse to be limited by the societal expectations for Black women.