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essence2real

@essence2real

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“Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon”

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A Love Letter to the Swamp 🐊 by @essence2real

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5 days ago

Summer is over… by @essence2real

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a month ago

You are a culmination of the experiences that make you whole…anything is possible 💫 #fdoc #publichealthgirlie by @essence2real

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2 months ago

22 on film 🎞️ by @essence2real

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2 months ago

I’ll be loving you always 💌 taken in University of Florida by @essence2real

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5 months ago

I was here.

I have been a part of the Black Student Union at the University of Florida for my entire collegiate career , all four years. Entering this organization, I carried one of my mother’s teachings with me: bring the resources and opportunities you’ve experienced back to your community. And that is exactly what I set out to do.

And as President during my Senior Year, I had the honor of supporting, overseeing, and restructuring key aspects of BSU alongside an incredible cabinet of directors I had the privilege of working closely with throughout my presidency.

Alongside my Community Affairs Directors, Jeremiah and Aniyah, we launched what is now our signature community engagement and campus collaboration event, YOUTH 2026. Alongside our Alumni Liaisons, Lauren and Shanice, we delivered BSU’s first-ever State of the Union Address and helped support BSU’s first trip to the Florida State Capitol. Alongside my FISS Director, Camya, we worked to increase the efficacy of FISS while strengthening relationships with university departments. And alongside my Executive Assistant, Taylor, we strengthened our external network and continued building meaningful connections beyond our organization. As a Presidential cabinet, we worked together tirelessly to do our part to serve a grander purpose, just to name a few.

To my Executive Board: BSU would be nothing without you all. You are the reason we are able to serve this community the way we do. Serving alongside each of you has strengthened me as a leader and as a person. Your work is seen and appreciated more than you know. Thank you for your dedication, your accountability, and your belief in our vision.

To my EOs (Marsha, Teiviana, Donovan, and Desiny): What a journey this has been! You all challenged me, supported me, inspired me, and helped shape my leadership in ways I will carry forever. It takes grit and dedication to be visionaries, and that is exactly what we were.

I led with my heart, integrity, compassion, and intentionality, even in the face of opposition.

And if you don’t remember anything else, remember this:

I was Here.

Signing off,
Madam President
Ameerah M. Balogun
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📸: @li.mademedia by @essence2real

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5 months ago

Glory be to God Almighty, thank you Jesus!

On May 2nd, 2026 I became an alumna of The University of Florida. I’m officially a college graduate! These past four years have been filled with many triumphs, tribulations, risks, grit, and blessings.

To be truthful, the University of Florida was not my first choice however attending this University was one of the best things to ever happen to me! I am forever grateful for my time in undergrad. I went from being an anxious yet ambitious freshman, a junior stuck at a crossroads between my career endeavors, and into a graduate that has aligned herself with her purpose!

I am proud and grateful for being able to fulfill a dream of my parents to get both of their children through college. Now the whole household is college educated (Mom, Dad, Big Sis, and Me)! I will always continue to strive for greatness and seek purpose in a life that is much bigger than myself while carrying on the legacy my parents have built!

My time at UF has been an experience that I will always cherish in my heart. It is the definition of where my growth, ambitions, and passions began to become clearer!

I am very excited to embark on this new journey because my dreams always become reality!

Thank you UF, for all the experiences that you’ve given me! It’s been great to be a FLORIDA GATOR 🧡💙!

Yours Truly 💌,
Ameerah
📸: @li.mademedia by @essence2real

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As a freshman, I used to hyper fixate on the perceptions of others, almost hindering my own growth over the fear of what others may have thought. If I didn’t take that leap of faith to push past inner insecurities, anxieties, and worries then I wouldn’t have been eligible to participate in the University of Florida Leadership Pageant.

The most I was worried about was whether I was able to get through the opening dance without messing up 😂. I stood on stage alongside top leaders on my campus. Amongst figureheads of large scale organizations, research projects, and community outreach. That night I smiled because despite my past insecurities I pushed past them to become a servant leader representing one of the most multifaceted organizations on campus. Thank you @uf_bsu for believing in me to represent you and thank you to everyone that gave me so many beautiful well wishes and congratulations!

To those who may doubt themselves, be fearful of trying something new, or may be weary about stepping into a space where not everyone looks like you. Just know that it’s possible! It’s possible to have fun, make connections, and shine with your inner purpose.

Take care of you and don’t let anything make you fade away…not even yourself

Yours Truly 💌,
Ameerah by @essence2real

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a year ago

Poised with purpose, graced with destiny
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📷: @shotsbymawnie by @essence2real

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a year ago

The clouds and the sky personified… by @essence2real

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a year ago

Crystal Clear 💎 by @essence2real

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a year ago

His Grace is all I need 🤍 by @essence2real

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a year ago