Outwork the World, right?

I nearly just began this blog post, the first I have ever created, quoting one of Kendrick Lamar's most notable and played out songs. Yikes. Especially being that I would typically be the type of person to cringe at something of the sort, but, in this case, scenario.. the shoe fits so snug.

"I got hustle though, ambition, flow, inside my DNA" I could not find a more accurate and spot on lyric to sum up all that I am. Genuinely, I do not believe that I could recall a time that I wasn't trying to finesse or hustle something or someone. Storytime. I used to be very actively involved in the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, within that I was apart of the Touch Club and Keystone groups which are leadership and character clubs that aim to teach club members about academic success, being active in the community, and preparing for life after school. Both clubs were pretty adamant on field trips and hangouts but in order to make those happen, we had to fundraise. One of our main sources of income was the vending machine, in which we purchased snacks from Sam's Club and sold at the club after school during club hours. Being the way that I am, when I was going on my band or class field trips I would buy the snacks from Keystone for the regular unit price and random things I could get my hands on and sell "fun packs" on the bus. I would have a printed list of single items, combos, and group deals, it was so serious.

That was pretty much my peak though, but I wasn't to be messed with. I remember vividly, in the sixth grade, this kid, Joe, he caught on to one of my hustles. So I was top salesperson in my band class, three years in a row not to brag, but I would keep the chocolate boxes we sold and sell my own candy out of it. One day I hit my peak of like a little over $70, keep in mind, I'm what, 12? So in my head, I am big ballin', money making, you cannot tell me anything. So dude catches wind of this and decides he wants in, right? Wrong, the first rule of hustle? Hide it. Work in silence and you're growth will be even grander. So I hear one day "Reesa, Joe is stealing your business." So, me, being the cocky youngin' that I am, says "impossible, nobody can be as dope as me" and what do you know, as I am on my way back to class from lunch I see Mr. Joe running down the hall yelling "airhead lollipops! $1!" and my first thought is "oh no, baby, rookie mistake." So of course, a teacher yanks him up and questions him on what he is doing, and since I have been around these blocks and can read a situation like no other, I give away the rest of my stock, I had made back my money and then some, dump the box, and hide the money in my band envelope. Obviously, he snitches on me and I get called over to our social studies teacher, I explain I only sold band chocolate and I just happened to be giving away some extra candy I had brought from home, having a reliable alibi since I did indeed give away from candy, and I'm walking free while Joe enjoyed a nice couple days in Internal Suspension.

I leave you with two stories that couldn't be more on brand with who I am through and through for every sector of my life. Whether it's academically, career-wise, or just life- the adrenaline rush I get when grindin' is that of no other.