Well, it's official! This past weekend I graduated with a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and it's been quite a journey. Some might say this was the ultimate race, but it really feels like the beginning of a huge adventure! So many people helped me in this phase of life and I'm forever grateful for so many beautiful, inspiring humans. There are a lot of feelings about this experience that I can't quite place or haven't given myself the time to examine, but I will say there are major valleys and major peaks. You may go into a situation in a completely different state then when you return, and hopefully, come out a better, more resilient, and aware person. I learned a lot about who I want to be and how I can pursue it, but also about what really holds me back. All in all, I know I'm pursuing a life trajectory that fills me with joy and presents people who are supportive and want to make positive changes in this world! This experience has also exceedingly taught me the power of Black joy and success, and the need for community in all facets of life. I yearn for more spaces of BIPOC joy and hope to provide these as well. Especially in the wake of continuous racialized violence, pursuing this joy is the most radical thing I can imagine! So with that, pursue what you love and don't apologize for wanting more for yourself and others 💙