Hey y'all,
It has been over a year since I've written a post. It is so WILD how time flies. I started my comprehensive exams shortly after my last post and things have been a whirlwind since then. I actually wrote out an entire blog post in January with updates to share but for some reason I couldn't bring myself to post it. However, we are here now because I absolutely have to share about my trip to Barbados.
Last week, I traveled to Barbados for a restoration and reflection retreat with other Birth Equity Research Scholars (being selected as a scholar was an update I was supposed to share in that non existent post I mentioned above). The scholars are all so AMAZING! They honestly deserve their own post, but I'll share about them briefly because they are what made the trip so special. All of the scholars are doctoral students focused on Black women's sexual and reproductive health and wellness. We each come from different universities. Though we are all doctoral students, each of us is in a different walk of life and that is one of the things I love the most about us. We learn SO much from each other and it makes the experience as a Birth Equity Research Scholar all the more beautiful.
During our time in Barbados we laughed, we cried, and we learned. Thank you Bella (director of the scholars program) & Dr. McLemore, for choosing such powerful activities. The activities gave us an opportunity to do a lot of thinking and reflecting and I am SO grateful. I NEEDED this time and I needed the activities. Everything in Barbados unfolded just as it should it was divine.
The past academic year literally beat me upside my head. Between life stuff and feeling a whole bunch of anxiety regarding my dissertation and post-grad plans, I was feeling very worn out. Following this retreat, I no longer feel burnt out. I feel nourished, refreshed, restored, and ready to take on my dissertation. I'm feeling confident and self-assured holistically; and for that I’m grateful.
Challenges will arise (because that’s life), and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through this fellowship, and from the other scholars in particular, is how to return to me after being disrupted. Rather than choosing to stay stuck after life has thrown a curve ball, I’m learning to return to myself, work in love, and doing some deep internal work. I’m excited about this iteration of Jaleah and all others that will develop as I continue to evolve into the best version of myself.
I’m sharing some of my favorite moments from Barbados below.
Thank you for reading!
Xo,
Jaleah
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