Being Serena reminded me in life there is only 100 percent, and if you want to give it more, you have to let something else go.

Being a woman in America is tough. Being black in America is also tough. Add the two and you find yourself navigating interesting spaces and facing unique experiences that only other black women can relate to. Although I will never be the greatest athlete of all time or a tennis pro, the unique experience of black womanhood in America pulled me in as I watched Being Serena. To watch her attempt to be all, do all, and have all and not wrap it in a pretty bow of girl power was refreshing. The visibility of struggle was good because it was relatable. You see her fighting to give 100 percent, which wasn’t enough and the realization of if you want to give it more, you have to let something else go.

Hi all,

As you all are already aware, I attended and presented at three academic conferences during my junior year: one at my uni, one down in South Carolina, and one in Atlanta. After I received my first acceptance, one of the first things I did was Google “Attire for an Academic Conference”. Being an undergrad – one of colour nonetheless – there was a desire to look as professional yet event appropriate as possible.Being the communication major I am, I am aware of the strength our nonverbal communication, include clothing, carries when we are meeting people for the first time. One thing I’ve observed at these conferences is the lack of undergraduate students; usually, I was in the minority being the only one on my panel – which happened to wow folks – so I wanted to share what I’ve been wearing and packing with me during my trips.Let me preface this by saying the humanities leaves room for creativity and your field might have different expectations. The fashion choices have been all over the place. I have seen everything from jeans and a t-shirt to suits and loafers.

Hi all,

I hope the month of March has been treating you well. For me it is spring break season and I’m back home in Florida doing the tourist thing. However, I didn’t want to leave you all hanging while I’m off soaking up sun. So here’s another installment in our etiquette series.