Gratitude: Hulihia
[Hulihia= spiritual or physical change]
"Inspiration to change often comes from our world being shifted and completely turned upside down, revealing a new truth and thus, a new beginning." (2012 NASPA Western Regional Conference)
In every way imaginable, this journey has been powerful but difficult. There have been tears, affirmations, confusion, mistakes, and discoveries. I followed and trusted my instinct, made some sacrifices, and had to see this commitment through. Though it is not the experience I envisioned, it is so much better. The people and experiences that challenged me are why I am a stronger person and professional today. No, I never jumped for joy because of the critical nature of things that landed in front of me, but I always knew I was supported.
To Mom and Dad, all 3 of us are as stubborn as they come. Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work and fighting for what I believe in. Thank you for the love and support and being so hard on me when I was a kid. I didn't know it then, but that strict upbrining really has everything to do with my accomplishments in this world. Laken- I probably relied on your sisterly advice more than you did mine over the last 2 years. You know just what reassuring things to say, and I love you for that. "If I had a penny for everything I loved about you..."
Not a day goes by that I don't think about or reach out to my closest Kansas friends. Alice, Taylor, Sammy, and Beth- thank you for showing me what love and support looks like from afar. Speaking of that home state of mine, Derrek, it has been a relief and a comfort to know another Kansan is on this part of the country with me. Your energy is contagious, and I'm glad we both ended up in the Emerald City.
Sophie, you were such a steadfast partner for MAGIS. Thank you for always staying in communication, caring about this journey, and going above and beyond. SUSDA E-Team, our meetings this year have filled me with so much joy. Thank you for the laughter and the food and the wine. To the MAGIS editing team, you exceeded my expectations. The group was there to help whenever Sophie and I needed it, and that didn't go unnoticed. Thanks for making our lives a little easier.
Catie Holker, it must be said that you have been the most influential person in my life during this journey. Yes, there is no doubt in my mind. From our very first encounter over Skype to our most recent dance parties, you held me together when I felt like quitting. We are not just friends because we are there for one another. You are an amazing person who will do great things. You challenge me to think about myself in reaction to uncomfortable stuff. Thank you for calling me out. Thank you for listening. Thank you for the genuine relationship.
And, since this experience was very particular to education, I naturally have to thank all the teachers and learners. To every professor, supervisor, advisee, peer and employee, I thank you for being forgiving. Without your patience in the learning process, I would have never discovered this new person who is not really new at all. She's been here all along. I just had to meet all of you and do some stretching and growing. As I look hard at myself today, I'm still as eager as ever but I'm not that culture-shocked and scared girl anymore. It's because you believed in me and I was able to trust in you with my inquiries and passions for knowledge. I never want to stop exploring the questions of this world with you. The day I do is the day I loose faith in our abilities to come together for compassionate action.
"Inspiration to change often comes from our world being shifted and completely turned upside down, revealing a new truth and thus, a new beginning." (2012 NASPA Western Regional Conference)
In every way imaginable, this journey has been powerful but difficult. There have been tears, affirmations, confusion, mistakes, and discoveries. I followed and trusted my instinct, made some sacrifices, and had to see this commitment through. Though it is not the experience I envisioned, it is so much better. The people and experiences that challenged me are why I am a stronger person and professional today. No, I never jumped for joy because of the critical nature of things that landed in front of me, but I always knew I was supported.
To Mom and Dad, all 3 of us are as stubborn as they come. Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work and fighting for what I believe in. Thank you for the love and support and being so hard on me when I was a kid. I didn't know it then, but that strict upbrining really has everything to do with my accomplishments in this world. Laken- I probably relied on your sisterly advice more than you did mine over the last 2 years. You know just what reassuring things to say, and I love you for that. "If I had a penny for everything I loved about you..."
Not a day goes by that I don't think about or reach out to my closest Kansas friends. Alice, Taylor, Sammy, and Beth- thank you for showing me what love and support looks like from afar. Speaking of that home state of mine, Derrek, it has been a relief and a comfort to know another Kansan is on this part of the country with me. Your energy is contagious, and I'm glad we both ended up in the Emerald City.
Sophie, you were such a steadfast partner for MAGIS. Thank you for always staying in communication, caring about this journey, and going above and beyond. SUSDA E-Team, our meetings this year have filled me with so much joy. Thank you for the laughter and the food and the wine. To the MAGIS editing team, you exceeded my expectations. The group was there to help whenever Sophie and I needed it, and that didn't go unnoticed. Thanks for making our lives a little easier.
Catie Holker, it must be said that you have been the most influential person in my life during this journey. Yes, there is no doubt in my mind. From our very first encounter over Skype to our most recent dance parties, you held me together when I felt like quitting. We are not just friends because we are there for one another. You are an amazing person who will do great things. You challenge me to think about myself in reaction to uncomfortable stuff. Thank you for calling me out. Thank you for listening. Thank you for the genuine relationship.
And, since this experience was very particular to education, I naturally have to thank all the teachers and learners. To every professor, supervisor, advisee, peer and employee, I thank you for being forgiving. Without your patience in the learning process, I would have never discovered this new person who is not really new at all. She's been here all along. I just had to meet all of you and do some stretching and growing. As I look hard at myself today, I'm still as eager as ever but I'm not that culture-shocked and scared girl anymore. It's because you believed in me and I was able to trust in you with my inquiries and passions for knowledge. I never want to stop exploring the questions of this world with you. The day I do is the day I loose faith in our abilities to come together for compassionate action.