Spilling Tea!
With AunTea Judge Mary
Meet AunTea Mary
Full Name: Judge Mary Terrell
High School: Public school in Akron, Ohio
Hometown Vibe: Industrial, midwestern, few Black professionals
High School Demographics: Majority white;
few academic opportunities for Black students
Today's Passion: Retired judge, founder of
High Tea Society
One Word to Descibe Teen You: Determined
Real Questions
From Real Sugars
Should I drop out of college?
If you do not have another option yet, stay. Figure out what you dislike. Try to build a relationship with someone on campus who can help. You may just be afraid of change. Don't leap without looking.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP.
Do you believe in God?
Absolutely. I wouldn't have survived without God. That Divine Power gives clarity, direction, and protection when your mind plays tricks on you.
THE MIND CAN MISLEAD YOU. GOD STEADIES YOU.
Does my bae love me?
Watch actions not words. Love won't put you in unsafe or disrespectful situations. If he's dragging you down, that's not love.
PRACTICE IS HIGHER THAN THEORY.
AunTea Mary's
Journey
High school in Akron, Ohio
Howard University - shocked by Chocolate City!
Peace Corps in India
Master's Degree at Antioch
Teacher in D.C. public schools
Law school at night while raising kids
Criminal prosecutor → Judge (appointed by President Clinton)
Founded the High Tea Society to support girls with mentorship & exposure
Tea To Go
Wanna go deeper? Here are a few resources recommended by AunTea Mary—books, links, tools, and follows to help you grow, glow, and keep going.
Thinking About an HBCU Like Howard University?
Watch Shirley on Netflix (starring Regina King)
AunTea Mary’s Favorite Milliner: Philip Treacy
Meet Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm
—AunTea Judge Mary’s Mentor
AUNTEA'S ADVICE
HIGHLIGHTS
"Resilience is your superpower. Don't be afraid to walk into the unknown-just walk wisely."
"Life is about relationships. Build the right ones-and grow through them."
"Find people going in the right direction-and tag along until you can walk on your own."
Final Sip...
You don't have to know the whole plan-just take the next step. Say
"yes" to opportunity, but be smart. And always look before you leap.
