“My Voice is Not an Apology.”– Nayyirah Waheed “The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet.”– Mohamed Najumi Dear Fellow Warrior, I filmed this video last month, shortly after my last poetry performance on June 10th. It took me some time to edit… someday, I’ll have…
Academia
The Underdog Rises: A WOC’s Academic Comeback, Reckoning, & Reclamation
Reflections on My Three-Year Graduation Anniversary, for my Academic Journey, and as a Woman of Color in Academia… “Great spirits always encounter violent opposition from mediocre minds.” – Albert Einstein Dear Fellow Warrior, I write this for Me, myself, and I. And all those who felt invisible in Academia, and deserved better. Three years after…
When You Know …
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” – Kahlil Gibran Dear Fellow Warrior, When you begin to see things clearer…see the truth… when you begin to learn more about what “mental health stigma” and what “mental health bigotry” looks like across all domains… in the family,…
Rising Above Adversity
“Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.” – Aristotle Dear Fellow Warrior, Sometimes, when I go out, maybe to the grocery store or run an errand, my mind tends to think that I still look like the person I was “before.” Before the pandemic. Before this grey zone – ‘identity crisis’…
Re-Introducing Dr. Elsa, “The Warrior KQueen”
Why I Claimed the title, “The Warrior KQueen,” and Why I Continue to Embrace it in the New Decade of my life. “She wasn’t looking for a Knight. She was looking for a Sword.” – Atticus Dear Fellow Warrior, I hope you had a fantastic summer. August is over, and we are now in the…
This Comeback is for Me
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is Now.” – Chinese Proverb Dear Fellow Warrior, Happy September and Happy National Suicide Prevention Month. I hope to write more on Suicide Prevention Month in a future post. For the moment, I wanted to share something with you. Please…
On Turning 40: Embracing “The Warrior KQueen” – Open Mic Speech at Busboys
“Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise so I am changing myself.” – Rumi Dear Fellow Warrior, Today I celebrated my 40th birthday. It was a tough one for me. I hope to be sharing this brief 5-minute speech tonight at my favorite restaurant in Washington, DC,…
In 2023 I Paid Attention… In 2024, I’ll Pay Attention to …
“You become what you give your attention to….” – Epictetus Dear Fellow Warrior, Sometimes what you pay attention to defines your life at that moment, takes time away, and at the expense of things you should be paying attention to, that could be adding peace, happiness, and positive impact and value in your life. This…