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Brianna K. Mattis

@briimatt

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they named me strong

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My parents tell me that I was a sneaky baby. Before we lived in our half-built home, we lived with a couple who loved me more than anything in this world. Mr. Sam & Sis. Sam. A couple that left behind so much light in this world that even now I can’t seem to blink them out of my mind.

During the day, I would quietly sneak over to their side of the house, across dirt and grime, listening for the sound of my name as it was chanted from Mr. Sam’s throat. “Com yah, Bri Bri,” he’d say. And I would come.

I don’t remember crawling, but I do remember climbing. There was a white grill gate at the front of the house that overlooked trees and filtered warm summer breezes. It would always catch my attention. And since I was a baby with no real sense of danger, I would climb.

I am still climbing.

My name means high. Noble. Hill. My parents named me many things…so don’t be surprised if I never come down.

📸: @ellis.brown 👸🏿: @ch.zarah

#27daystogo #seniorsunday #briduation by @briimatt

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2 years ago

Five Things I’ve Learned as a (Non-Traditional) Student

•You have time.
You don’t have to get a degree in 4 years. You don’t even have to get one in 5! Every degree is different and every journey is unique. You’re allowed to stretch and shorten your path to make it perfect for you! Don’t worry about how fast your peers are going. Like a conductor at the edge of a stage, set your own tempo.

•You MUST become your biggest advocate.
Self-advocacy is a must in life. The journey of self is the most precious thing we have. If anything, it’s the most unique! Ask for help. Get accommodations. Carve out a space for your voice in the world and let it resound. You are not weak or less than for making your needs known. And when you’ve done it once, keep doing it!

•There is no easy way.
Regardless of where you start, college is not easy. Learning is a malignant experience. You have to choose to learn something every day and that process takes energy, executive function, and time. At some point you must decide that you have no other option but success. At some point you have to accept that you can’t build an empire on dreams and you can’t make dreams without rest. You’ll have to learn when to push and when to pause. Both are not easy.

•You will be alone. You will never be alone.
Both are true. God may fall silent for a season only to reemerge with great fanfare. The key is to remember that music is comprised of silence, too! God will not forsake you. People may or may not. You will face many silent obstacles but remember where your help comes from! You are not truly alone! He is always with you!

•You must tell your story
I thought I knew what storytelling was back in high school. “It’s pen to paper and hand to keys,” I’d say. It turns out it’s SO much more! A story is the one thing we carry constantly. From the moment we are born into this world (and really long before it) we are given a story that demands to be told. People know you by your fruit. They recognize, without knowing, that they are looking at someone who has been, is, and will be something. Your family needs to know it. Your friends need to know it. Your professors need to know it. (Continued in comments) by @briimatt

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2 years ago

I present to you Brianna Kristina Mattis—first of her name (which means Strong), firstborn daughter of Dexter and Christene Mattis, and soon-to-be alumna of THE University of Texas at Austin.

All Glory belongs to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. I give honor to my parents @chrissymattis & @dexmattis, who understand the In-Between well, and who know what it has taken to stand here now.

This first act was captured by @ellis.brown, my friend and confidant. My hair was done by the lovely @ch.zarah. Please show them love.

Thank you.

-bkm

#seniorsunday #texasexes by @briimatt

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3 years ago

Singing and wishing the happiest of birthdays to my best friend in this universe @kaitlan.faith 🥹💛 I love you bunches!

We’ve been rocking since Payless and Royal Tailor…let’s keep it going forever!🥹 here’s to you K! by @briimatt

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a month ago

Pentecostes Medley

#corritos#upci taken in The Sanctuary of Cleveland, Texas by @briimatt

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2 months ago

brb we’re cooking up vocal parts for women’s conference 😵‍💫
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INVALUABLE 26’- 100 E HANSON ST, CLEVELAND TX by @briimatt

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2 months ago

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful momma and popsi! I love you both so very much! 💛 @chrissymattis @dexmattis by @briimatt

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3 months ago

“It’s been six years.” Yeah…I know😔🥲. #classof2020 by @briimatt

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3 months ago

Happy Father’s Day to my daddy @dexmattis 🤎

The first thing you should know about me is I am my father’s daughter. Before my father ever taught me to ride a bike or peel an orange, he taught me how to worship. Tambourine in hand, sweat flowing, heart bleeding with joy and thanksgiving.

Life hasn’t always been sweet to my pops but that’s never stopped him from being kind. It’s never mattered where we’ve lived or how much money we had, he was always making something out of nothing, smiling and working harder than even his body could handle at times. You gave Adri and I so many gifts, tangible and intangible, to walk this life. We’re so blessed to be your daughters.

Thank you for your example. I can’t wait for the day my kids get to experience the kind of love that gives everything without expectation. I love you now and forever! by @briimatt

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4 months ago

🎂🥳1️⃣2️⃣👑Twelve years of “Princess” Adrianna Sofia-Grace. Twelve years of love, wit, vivacity, and fierce resilience.

It was at this same age that I became your big sister, Adri. From then until now, you have been my greatest friend, gift, and inspiration.

It’s hard to describe what it means to know and love you. To watch you grow out of your clothes and grow into some of mine. To see you worship God with both arms raised and pigtails swinging.

There are no words for how precious you are to mom, dad, and I.

I want nothing more than to continue by your side as you grow lovelier, through every triumph and every trial.

Happy Birthday Sissy! by @briimatt

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4 months ago

🐟 @wildplanetfoods

#breakfast by @briimatt

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4 months ago

Hailey Day (noun): a day of antiques, vinyls, and tiramisu! by @briimatt

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5 months ago