#progresscheck

Baby, reading back through these entries… whew. I can write ✍🏽. Sure, I use grammar tools and ChatGPT to tighten things up, but the voice? That’s all me.

Here’s a quick check-in on life lately:

Work So much has shifted since I was last here. I’ve got a new supervisor — and I think he’s more intimidated by me than he realizes 😌. It’s becoming clear: not having my Ph.D 🎓 is the one thing that might hold me back. Everyone around me sees that I’m ready for more leadership, and that’s because I didn’t learn it — I am it. I’m a wolf 🐺.

I went through the job search process for the Director of New Student Programming at SIUE — and I got the job. But I chose to stay. I thought a move was what I needed, but it wasn’t the right time. I would’ve been the first and only Black woman in that department, surrounded by all white colleagues. And I’m not trying to be the Ruby Bridges of my career path — especially not after just watching Sinners.

I leaned on my family, mentors, and close friends for advice 🫶🏽, but deep down I already knew the answer. It just felt good to be wanted. When I called to decline, the Vice Chancellor told me they’d wait for me if I needed time. That meant something. But this season with my sister? That’s something I’m not willing to trade 👯🏽‍♀️. (Side note: I did apply for Alexis’ old job in Student Activities — so we’ll see what life has in store 👀.)

Staying at UTA feels like it’s about to push me into something greater. I got the raise I said I wanted 💸, and now it’s time to get serious about my Ph.D apps.

Sometimes I hold back because of how people in my story might be perceived. I know the field is small, and politics are real — but honestly, sometimes that feels like an excuse. I’ve been disappointed by people I once admired, like RJ. I’m just being honest — that one still stings.

As I grow, I’m learning how to move on without always having to say everything out loud. I talk about everyone and everything else, sometimes so I don’t have to fully talk about me. That’s probably been my best-kept secret.

Mama: “I can do the transition effects!” 

Remington: “Excuse me? Where are my scritches??”