I can proudly say that exercising empathy is one of my greatest strengths. I can be open-hearted and loving to a fault of my own. Countless times I've found myself devastated at how the love I poured into others wasn't returned back to me. TD Jakes refers to this archetype as "big hearted people" and … Continue reading How to Have More Meaningful and Loving ::FRIENDSHIPS::
Perspectives
Want to Change the World? Just Show Up.
It's so dastardly simple that it's also a bit hard to accept as an answer. But so much of what we need to do in life can be boiled down to just showing up. Bringing all of your attention, heart, and body into the space where you're working. Relationships, presentations, acts of service would all … Continue reading Want to Change the World? Just Show Up.
F.U.B.U. Advice to Demystify Grad School
CONGRATULATIONS on deciding to pursue a graduate degree at (INSERT name of your dream graduate program here). We are so looking forward to having you here to (INSERT project/idea that you believe deep down will fundamentally change the world). There are a few things you should know to get started with the waterboarding--whoops! We meant … Continue reading F.U.B.U. Advice to Demystify Grad School
New Year. New Attitude. New ME.
The first day of fall '16 quarter (yesterday September 26, 2016) was a beautiful day on campus. Bright eyed and bushy tailed freshmen and first years hustled and bustled to classes and learned just what a quarter system is all about. I cannot believe that the year has passed by so quickly--though going through it … Continue reading New Year. New Attitude. New ME.
D282: Just Keep Swimming (Recognizing the Strength in Consistency)
Today marks ~3 weeks since I completed my first year of graduate school, putting me an entire academic year closer to earning a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. I wanted to post this on my last day of school since I started blogging on the first day—but I was exhausted. I mean completely wiped out. This … Continue reading D282: Just Keep Swimming (Recognizing the Strength in Consistency)
D217: How Beyoncé’s Lemonade Motivated Me to Keep Pushing
I have to be honest: 1) 2016 has already earned its place as the most challenging year of my life (I can't believe it's only April) and 2) I've never been a die-hard, know all the words, go to all the concerts, Beyoncé fan, and quite frankly I'm still not. But I have the utmost … Continue reading D217: How Beyoncé’s Lemonade Motivated Me to Keep Pushing
D169: Entrepreneurship Will NOT Be My Financial Salvation
I had long cherished the idea of entrepreneurship as a salvation; the thing I was meant to do that would lift me above the discontents of normal life. After industry internships, I longed for the flexibility and autonomy that being my own boss enabled. This past summer, I worked as a Technology Transfer Entrepreneur for … Continue reading D169: Entrepreneurship Will NOT Be My Financial Salvation
D162: Why “Good” is Never Good Enough for a Black Woman.
As a black woman born to poor immigrants, I don’t have the luxury of relying on “good enough,” I know my work is often inspected more critically. Marginalized identities cannot settle for “good enough” because the sad truth is—we’re taught to aim low. Thus, I’ve committed to proofreading and attending every office hour to overcome … Continue reading D162: Why “Good” is Never Good Enough for a Black Woman.
D115: Your Whole Life is the Sum of Your Relationships
Your entire life is the sum of your relationships. Think about it. I didn't realize how monumental relationships truly were. I knew that I loved my family and that was the most important relationship that I had up until this point. I never considered that my life can be wholly represented by the relationships I … Continue reading D115: Your Whole Life is the Sum of Your Relationships
D102: Tough Decisions
Happy 2016! 'Tis the season for putting one's best foot forward and starting anew. I successfully completed my first quarter at Stanford and am gearing up for the excitement that this time of year brings. Right now, most people are riddled with new goals, for GPA, weight, personal growth, and development. I have spent the … Continue reading D102: Tough Decisions