Have you ever thought twice about going home for the holidays? Have you ever intentionally shortened a trip home so that you could keep your sanity? Do you rehearse #clapbacks for auntie, "So, you still don't have a man?" or cousin, "Oh, you think you're better than the rest of us because you're getting a PhD, … Continue reading Dealing with my Toxic Family During the Holiday Season
Dear Mikey, I miss you. I miss you and I think I'll always miss you. But I hate that I have to miss you in this way. I hate that now I have to talk to you with only my heart. I hate that I still wait for you to message me every year on … Continue reading Remembering Mikey
When I started my blog last year, I intended for this to be my very first post. I was home for a year, despite incessantly planning to attend a doctoral program after graduating with my master's degree. But I wasn't starting my PhD like I had planned to do since my freshman year of high … Continue reading My (Unexpected) Gap Year
Have you ever been told that you're just too emotional or that you need to stop crying or to grow thicker skin? If so, this post is for you. As a young girl, my tears and sensitivities were constantly met with, "WHY are you crying? What are people going to think about you if you don't … Continue reading Dear Vulnerable Black Girls…
When I decided to apply to my #PhD program, the end goal was ALWAYS academia or so I thought. Go to school, earn the PhD, enter into the field and #endarken the ivory tower. It all seemed so simple... until last Thursday. I spent four precious days with some brilliant, amazing, loving, determined high school … Continue reading What Happens to a Dream…Discovered?
No, that's not a typo. Most times when we read headlines or posts about issues or problems related to our fathers, it's about a woman's problematic relationships with men due to her experience with her father...or her daddy issues. But that's not my story. And before you respond with "not another dead-beat-daddy" post on Father's … Continue reading My Daddy’s Issues
What have you accomplished so far this year? Have you addressed any of your new year's resolutions? Did anything celebratory happen since January 1st but the demands of school wouldn't allow you to celebrate? If so, now is the time to do so! You do not have to wait until December 31st to celebrate your … Continue reading Mid-year Update: So far in 2017
Grief sucks. I know that's not at all profound, nor terribly encouraging, but it's true. When it's all said and done, grief really sucks. It doesn't care who you are, where you're from or how much money you have. It strikes whenever it wants and there's nothing that we can do to prevent it. I've … Continue reading Grieving while Grinding
May 3rd, 2017. The day that I completed my FIRST year of #PhDLife. This year has simultaneously been one of the shortest and longest years of my life. It's been an academic year of torturous celebration. At the end of my second semester, I wrote a post, 10 things that I have learned so far on my … Continue reading Lessons Learned from #PhDYear1
Another day. Another hashtag. Another Black boy's life stolen from us. Another family ripped to pieces by a bullet from an officer that was supposed to serve and protect (everyone except Black bodies). Jordan Edwards, a 15-year-old Black boy was murdered by a police officer after leaving a party that was becoming "too rowdy". Since … Continue reading Why Jordan Edwards’ Grades Absolutely Matter
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