These four years of my college matriculation have definitely felt like a long journey. I have attended three universities, one out of state. I have changed my major twice and had to retake classes because of credits that did not transfer. This has been a long route.

Have you ever driven the long way to get to certain destination and when you finally arrive you start thinking about all the other ways you could have gone? You’re mad that you went the long way, but found out lots of new sites on the way. So it makes it all worth it in the end. Well that’s what going through college has been for me. I went so many different routes to obtain one degree at the end. I have been through so many obstacles, including evacuating from hurricanes, during these last four years.

At the end of last semester I attended at least three graduations of friends that started college the same year as I did. It didn’t bother me as much that they were finally done because I know my graduation day is approaching. I chose to sit out one semester when I was going through some things attending a state school two years ago. I left Georgia State during the middle of the semester because it was too much of a transition for me. I will have completed all of my required classes at the end of this year and will walk across the stage next May! I absolutely cannot wait for this day.

This summer after the wrap of “College Hill,” I attended summer school at a community college. For the first time in my life I attended summer school. I always have better things to do every summer than to attend school. Well, sometimes you just gotta do what you have to, even if it hurts! However, I take my spanish finals in two days, it’s over, and now I can officially enjoy my summer break! Yes! Thank God it’s all finally over. I appreciate everything I went through and strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. Who knows? If I didn’t go to all of these school I probably wouldn’t be entertaining enough to be chosen to be a part of the “College Hill Atlanta” season!! It will all be worth it in the end!

Happy Birthday, Drew!! This past weekend Drew celebrated his birthday. It was a weekend filled with gifts from girlfriends and excitement from friends. Drew partied throughout Atlanta to celebrate his birthday. I couldn’t make any of the events because I was still in LA, but he explained to me how much of a good time he had. Drew had a birthday party at a club in the city. Unfortunately, not much support from the other housemates. Anthony was the only one in attendance. Of course, he didn’t even invite any of the other girls. I actually felt bad that he wanted me to come, and I couldn’t make it. I heard they had a blast!

Anthony was sloppy drunk by the end of the night. Shhh. I know he is gonna be embarrassed about me telling this, but I heard he threw up! LOL. All that and more went on with those two, and I’m sure all of their chicks were not too far behind! Drew has also informed me that it’s official. He will not be attending West Georgia College anymore. He has gotten himself an apartment on the north side of Atlanta for his birthday. He will be living alone! Thank God. Drew doesn’t need any roommates. He will attend school in the city next semester! He feels that he has a better chance achieving his rap career goals here. There was not much for him in that part of Georgia. The recording studios and clubs are now much closer. He has had many setbacks and disappointments with different label representatives but it will all come together sooner or later, especially if the talent is there.

All of us made lots of sacrifices for “College Hill.” Now it’s time for us all to get our lives back in order, and go after the things we want. I am very proud of Drew for making moves. The exposure that we all received has opened many doors, and we are all on our way to bright futures. 

They say it’s the hottest ticket on television!! The 2008 BET Awards was exactly. Myself along with three other castmates took the trip to Los Angeles full of excitement to see what these few days had in store for us. It was a struggle trying to get there but the morning of the awards was an adventure. Dorion and I had to find a cleaners to steam our outfits. We had to get everybody to our hotel before our special makeup artist all the way from Atlanta arrived. It was hectic, makeup had to be done and imagine getting dressed for an event such as this in one hotel room with five other people. It was crazy but fun. We all got to help each other. The limosine arrived to pick us up, and of course we all weren’t ready. Dennis was on his way but in fact took way too long. Unfortunately we had to leave him and never spoke to him again. I don’t know what happened to him. We finally arrived. We were the first to walk the red carpet. That means we got all the attention before the really big celebs arrived. After speaking to everyone, we took our seats to watch the opening by ATL’s own Usher. He sort of disappointed me because he was lipsincing his entire performance. My favorite was Rihanna. I love her style! Neo also had great choreography with his dancers. Ciara looked great. And the Alicia Keys performance was awesome. She really brought out some legends, TLC, En Vogue, SWV couldn’t have been better.

We have a blast throughout the night. The buffet at the BETs official after party was the best. In fact that was my favorite part. Ashley R. and Dorion enjoyed getting drunk for free. The drinks kept coming! I had a blast seeing celebrities outside of Atlanta. I get tired of seeing the same ones at home. However, we partied with Boris Kodjoe, and that’s a whole lot of man! LOL. Cuba Gooding Jr. was so nice. Dorion was embarrassing us around everybody, but it was cool because everybody felt the same way. Networking throughout the room was very important. In fact, I hardly saw Sira the whole time. Her and Ivy from the Interns show were running around chasing celebs to get pictures with them. They really wanted to show they had a great time. I met a lot of great connects myself. The party ended quite early. I hear they all close early in LA. We went back to the hotel and went to sleep after joking around. Everybody returned home back to Atlanta. I stayed a couple of days to hang with friends and eat Roscoes Chicken and Waffles everyday!! You gotta love it. Thanks BET for the great experience!!

Finding a dress for the BET Awards has to be the most stressful thing in my life at this moment! Dressing in the most fashionable clothing always comes quite easy when I don’t try too hard. But this time, its way more pressure. A few of my cast mates and I will be walking the red carpet together this coming Tuesday. To be really recognized at these type of events, you have to look way over the top and drop dead gorgeous or look busted as a fashion disaster to be on someone’s worst dressed list! They say any publicity is good publicity! I want to play it safe but safe may just not be enough. In fact, I’m not the only one who feels like they are going completely crazy looking for something to wear. My clueless cast mates are having the same problem.

Ashley R. is trying to take the Internet shopping route and perhaps find a dress to be shipped to her in time. I don’t think this is such a great idea because with Internet shopping the sizes may not be right; it’s too risky. Sira, wanted to have a dress made but that becomes a problem when it doesn’t fit the budget. We’re not Beyonce out here! Drew, of course, is probably not worried at all. Anthony will be going as the new Ginuwine. I’m sure you can imagine! And the two fashionesta’s Dorion and Shavon. Well, you will just have to wait and see. Dorion and I ran through the mall for hours trying to figure something out. I think we have it now! My dress is beautiful. All I need now is shoes, and time is getting short. Just wait until you see Dorion! Cute. The guy sure knows how to ball on a budget. We’re going to have a blast in Las Angeles! I’ll be sure to keep you all informed about this exciting event. The moment we all meet again on the Red Carpet at the 2008 BET Awards!!! 

It’s official. I will be adding host to my resume very soon! My sidekick Dorion and I hosted a huge event here in Atlanta last weekend!! Birthday Bash 13 is a concert that the local hip-hop radio station has every year. It is something very similar to Summer Jam for you up north folks. It’s a sold-out event and the highlight of the summer! The teenagers love it. I did when I was younger.

Dorion and I made the perfect team as everyone already knows. Our chemistry is so great together! We were sure to dress alike, and we interviewed all the artists who performed on the stage. It was seen live on the web. There were so many celebs, including Shawty Lo, TI, Jeezy, Kanye West, Usher, The Dream, Plies, Monica, and all of the other Atlanta artists. That’s just to name a few. We had a blast joking around with the artists. Our interviews were so laid back and fun, we wanted no pressure. All of them already have enough problems! Their different personalities were soo crazy! They try so hard to put on a swagger that will make them look better than the last person, but they are all very similar – all rappers trying to get rich in a world where no one buys albums anymore!

It was funny, when we asked, “So what can we expect next from you?” The first thing they would say is, “Check out my new movie. I have been working so hard on.” I guess that’s the thing to say when you have been missing in action for a while. Sure you have been working on a movie. I think I might have to start saying that when asked, what’s next after, “College Hill?” Hey, it sounds good. However, hosting backstage was a lot of work but I was doing something I love to do, being in front of the camera. We looked so good. The video will be available soon on the radio stations website. Your girl Shavonnie will keep you posted!!!

Attention, all ladies. I just got off the phone with Anthony, and he just told me some news that I know you all would love to hear!

 He’s single.

Anthony just informed me that he and his long-time girlfriend are not together anymore. This is the girl he was dating while on the show. He says she is “torn”. She hasn’t been able to quite handle all the new attention Anthony is receiving these days. If you ask me, he was always the man on campus. All the girls supported Team Anthony and his HittSquad Entertainment Company. Anthony wasn’t as wild as I would expect on the show. He and Sira didn’t quite hit it off too seriously. In fact, just to inform you, the two don’t even talk to each other at the present moment.

Well, Anthony’s girl wasn’t too excited about his outcome on the show. However, during that time he was spending a lot of time and money making it all up to her. Now, he tells me he loves her very much but isn’t too sure about their future together. She is a very nice girl for him … a school teacher, somebody that can keep him on the right track. But I don’t know ladies, it’s not looking good for the two. So I say he’s available.

Out of Dennis and Dru, Anthony was the most mature. He has switched it up and goes for a slimmer look now. The brother has lost a lot of weight. He says he had to do it to get right for other career opportunities. Modeling, acting…. Watch out he may have the look!! Go Anthony, he is looking good and very focused right now!! Don’t sleep on him!

OMG! I know I’m kind of late. I had to be the only woman on the planet who did not see the “Sex and the City” movie on opening night. However, I did see it with one of my best friends last night. Considering that I’d never seen the hit television series, I was overwhelmed. It inspired me to write this blog. This movie reminded me soo much of me and my girls and how we face different obstacles in the search for love!

Those four beautiful and fashionable women took me on a journey to the reality of my own life. As I have shared my life with you on 13 episodes, including the camping adventure when you all saw me cry over personal issues, you never got to see much of my love life. Why? …because there is none. I’m not in love at the present moment. Of course, like most women I have had my heart broken a few times in the past. Part of the reasons could have been the fact that I have searched for the wrong characteristics in a guy. Now I’m going to keep this simple for my young audience. In the movie they talk about the importance of “labels”. Now this is a big deal especially in our generation when being in is the best look! We go for the labels as far as clothing, and even in our men! I was the girl who all my life was always with the guy every girl wanted, whether he was popular in entertainment or sports. I have been in those relationships knowing that the guy is not good for me and being with him to go through the challenge will turn you into an emotional wreck. Even though these popular guys may look good and every chick may want to be in your position, “All that glitters ain’t gold”. Samantha states, in the movie, “It’s time to look past the label but to the person!” After experiences, I strongly agree.

Now I have learned to put all my energy into my work. That’s my love and I know a team of lonely women who do the same. At this point of my life, I am living for me and I encourage all young ladies to recognize their own worth. “Love for self is one label that never goes out of style.”

Somebody said Dorion is the next big thing!! Dorion got his first video premiere playing the bad guy in new R&B artists JC’s music video. The new song, “Nobody Gotta Know” featuring Guerilla Zoe is projected to be a hit. The better the song does, the longer the video will air. We will get to see Dorion’s face on BET for another few months. However, the video shoot was filled with artists. I guess that’s the thing to do, if you don’t have any new music coming out; go get in someone’s video so people will remember you’re there! Dorion was chosen to play the main role as the guy who took his girlfriend. Watch out, Frank Lucas. We have a new fly dude in town! Dorion was doing some great acting!! You gotta check it out! He also played his hand at a poker table alongside rapper Chingy!

Chingy has a new style now! The curly Mohawk haircut with the torn jeans at the bottom. I don’t really understand it, but he says he gets a lot of compliments! In fact, all this was a great look for Dorion, considering he wants to be an R&B artist himself! Yeah right, no one ever knew Dorion could sing, but the brother can blow!! The rest of the ladies of the cast showed up for cameo appearances as well as to show support.

Ashley R. came and left. I convinced her to change for the video. She kept her cool for a minute but was ready to leave shortly after that. She didn’t give them too much, since she’s retired the whole video girl thing! They wanted her to originally be the main girl but she declined. “Shavon I haven’t done a video in a year,” is what she tells me when she lets me know that it’s over. Ashley R. is a new woman now, searching for a job with a marketing degree! I’m definitely not knockin’ her for that! We all have soo much going on right now. Be sure to check back weekly to see what’s going on with your favorite College “Hill” cast.

Ok. So the finale was fun, but our lives must still go on. Of course, everything has changed. I would say to some extent we have turned into some little celebrities!! People notice us everywhere we go, see who we are with, check out our rides. They even criticize my nail polish. It’s like our lives are under a microscope.

The media and tabloids talk trash about celebrities all the time and in fact you have to have tough skin for this industry. Recently, my castmates, Drew and Dorion have battled rumors that have been posted by a certain blog site. Now we have definitely been talked about throughout the season but nothing tops this one. Drew gay??

We know he was the most homophobic character when we lived in the house. Now there are alleged photos of him and another man on the Web. Over the top! They also had a clip of Dorion laughing in the background like, “ha-ha got ya!!” Now the picture sure looks like him but it’s obvious that the head doesn’t match the body and the tattoos are different. Photoshop is a powerful tool. Dorion’s clip was taken from another interview. In fact he didn’t say it even though there has been some talk of him disliking Drew. Drew spoke about it on the local radio station trying to clear this up, but something is telling me he now gets to see how Dorion feels.

“They say what goes around comes around.” Boy they pieced this all together well. Can the media do this? Is it right to slander someone’s name?? I guess when you are celebs like us there is nothing better going on in the world more important!! Talk about entertainment in Atlanta. This city is what we like to call, “Black Hollywood!!”

It’s the finale! Or should I call it the after party? We do it really big in this final episode. First, there’s one last meeting with the high school kids. Our cast and The Ludacris Foundation host a huge panel discussion teaching kids the importance of dreams, resources and reality. Dorion prepared us well for this event, and we made a very positive impact on the kids. They really look up to us college students and the other career professionals on the panel. In fact, I still keep in touch with some of the little rascals today!

This last week before we moved out the house was very busy. We also went to my favorite place and job, Hooters Downtown ATL, and the cast enjoyed it. The guys fell in love with the Hooters’ girls about three times! Drew, of course, acts like he’s never seen so many beautiful Black women at once.

Later on, we attend our last supper together. Things got really juicy as they always do at our meals. Some interesting secrets were brought to the table. We were so focused on Anthony and Sira throughout the season. We let the Dennis and Ashley L. romance slip through the cracks. Dorion initially mentions that Ashley L. has been trying to get at Dennis. She denies it, but when Dennis produces the original letter she had written him, she was shocked! No denying it now, Ashley. You are caught. Now it’s a big deal between Ashley L. and Sira. Obviously, “best friends” don’t tell each other everything.

The housemates say their final goodbyes! I came very close to shedding a tear! Even through all the obstacles we all managed to grow. Everyone contributed a different flavor and definitely left an impact on me! We knew that we would see each other around Atlanta after this but our experiences would never be the same. Even now, after the final show airs, I feel as if a certain part of me will be missing. We worked so hard for this for the past year, and now it’s over! This definitely gave me the green light to embark on many opportunities! The memories we have shared will never leave us, and we appreciate all for being so interested in our lives! We came to this with a purpose to entertain but leave with new confidence of who we are and the future! Thanks to all the fans and the bloggers! See ya soon!!! Tear.
                                                                                                    XO,
                                                                                                Shavonnie