My grandmother instilled in me two important lessons: I was just as good as anyone else, and education was my salvation. Fortunately, I was able to get scholarships to excellent schools, but I was one of the lucky ones. All of this is what draws me to anti-poverty organizations like Oxfam.
Joy BryantI've always said that if anything - whether it was film or television - was something I responded to, then I was open to it.
Joy BryantI love the look of buffed nails. They look neat and chic without actually having to paint your nails-and it takes no time!
Joy BryantDonate time, food, or money to organizations that fight the good fight. We can act individually for the collective good. We can all do something.
Joy BryantBeing involved with Oxfam has really opened my eyes to the world at large and the suffering of others. But my background and my life experience are what have allowed me to understand how interconnected we all are. I believe one person suffering reverberates throughout the world.
Joy BryantAcknowledgement: Understanding and compassion for others and their suffering is the next step. Put yourself in the shoes of people who don't have the luxury of being wasteful.
Joy BryantI never wanted to be the person who said, "I woulda, coulda, shoulda." Life is way too short, and you may not last that long. I dropped out of Yale after two years to pursue one of the most uncertain careers - modeling. That seemed like a crazy decision, especially coming from where I came from and given what Yale is. Most people I knew told me so. But I was following what my heart was telling me I needed to do. I took the risk. It could easily have not worked out, but it did. Phew!
Joy Bryant