My Visit with Mississippi's First Lady

The agenda for today is a first for me. Today I'm traveling to the Governor's Mansion in Jackson, Mississippi. I have never been before, and I never envisioned my first experience doing so would be to meet Mississippi's First Lady, Elee Reeves.

Following my GPS, I finally find myself outside a tall white residence that is a true representation of southern charm. Surrounded by a tall gate that covers its entire circumference, my initial thought is that this has to be it. Making my way inside, I soon find myself in the most beautiful historic room I've ever been in as I await the First Lady.

She's warm and genuine. That's my first impression. Providing great influence in our state there is immense responsibility and I find myself humbled to not only speak with her, but also learn from her leadership. Having two daughters herself, she inquires about which side is my "good side" for our photo together. I was nervous before entering, but after merely just meeting her, I know I no longer need to work at being confident.

After discussing my master's degree I had earned just a week ago and my future career aspirations, The First Lady inquires about my social impact initiative. And that's Preston Strong. I begin to share with her about Preston's diagnosis back in January of 2018 and the hard-fought battle he faced in the fight for his life. I share the joy, Preston radiated throughout despite the circumstances and the pain he faced some days. The active choice to approach life in happiness that he taught me as I took on the role of his cheerleader.

Because there is a journey behind Preston Strong, I am always strategic about the dates I schedule events and meetings such as this and today is no different. It's May 17 and 4 years ago, yesterday, was the day time stood still for me. The day of Preston's craniotomy. That surgery was 10 hours, and multiple units of blood sustained his life. I share with the First Lady about my partnership with Mississippi Blood Services and this milestone, as well as, what I'm doing to pay it forward in, 400 blood donors for 4 years of Preston Strong. As I have been very involved in the running numbers of donors this week, I am proud to share with her that in day 3, we are at 497 donors. Immediately she describes about how she admires the great work of all those at Mississippi Blood Services and how truly welcoming the entire staff is. I second that. The First Lady then generously offers to join my initiative of gaining more donors by promoting it on her social media as well. So humbled and grateful, I thank her immensely.

When women come together, we make great things happen. For me, today represented female empowerment. As a representative of humble and selfless leadership in the state of Mississippi, our First Lady invests her service and time to inspire communities. Thank you, First Lady, Elee Reeves, for your time in speaking with me today!