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Story time:
I've long been slightly embarrassed of my educational journey. Not because I went to a Community College, that was a great experience. Not entirely because I'm 33 and barely finishing a bachelor. Not even because I only found out what an aliquat was 1 year ago. 1/n
I've long been slightly embarrassed of my educational journey. Not because I went to a Community College, that was a great experience. Not entirely because I'm 33 and barely finishing a bachelor. Not even because I only found out what an aliquat was 1 year ago. 1/n
I started college in 2005 and have SO MANY credits on my transcript. These include many W's (when I learned you had to actually withdraw from a class instead of just stop showing up) and quite a few F's (from when I didn't know). 2/n
I didn't start taking college seriously until around 2.5 years ago. This is after failing out of the university I currently attend (TWICE) in the early 2000's. 3/n
I'm a first-gen student of a single mother. I come from a tumultuous family situation who started supporting herself and another human from the age of 17. No, I don't have kids, I was just young and men are dumb.
I live in a city with a ~3% Black population 4/n
I live in a city with a ~3% Black population 4/n
I've worked a stream of jobs and am mere credits away from Culinary arts and Graphic design degrees. (3 credits each).
But here the hell I am a year away from a BS in Neuroscience FROM A UNIVERSITY I FAILED OUT OF TWICE because keeping a roof over my head was more important 5/n
But here the hell I am a year away from a BS in Neuroscience FROM A UNIVERSITY I FAILED OUT OF TWICE because keeping a roof over my head was more important 5/n
I've done most of it myself, paying out of pocket for each class, but a lot of it with the assistance of my network in #ScienceTwitter. You all helped me last semester financially, many of you took time to look over my homework, explained to me concepts I didn't understand 6/n
All of this to say: Yes, I'm 33. Yes, I'm a Black woman in STEM, and YES, I've presented at regional AND national conferences. I had the chance to be on the ground floor of @BlackInNeuro, I've worked in multiple labs and have removed tumors, learned staining techniques 7/n
Your future is not your past. I have BRIGHT future. I finally have a plan and a network that ensures I get to where I want to be. Hell, I've even been arrested. The path of life is not linear and it is NOT filled with shame. 8/9
Those of you dealing with imposter syndrome, I see you, I feel you and I AM you.
But you can make it and there are so many of us out here rooting you on and here to help.
fin.
But you can make it and there are so many of us out here rooting you on and here to help.
fin.
