Growing.

Last week, I attended my last Annual Program Meeting as a Fellow. To say the least, the experience was charged with so many different feelings.

It's always super exciting to see the Fellows and catch up on what has transpired since the last time we met. But I am also typically very anxious as this trip requires me to gather my most "professional" clothes and network with many people over the span of 5 days.

I must say, that this year was a transformational experience for me. In Tampa, I really came to see myself among the sea of other Social Workers and attendees, and really began to feel at home with who I am among the masses.

I am not a loud, boisterous, always social, person. . . I'm much more like a quiet, but conscious presence. I felt good to be here for the first time and not be so in my head about how I fit in and what others see and think of me from the outside.

I heard my voice among the crowds. I shared my thoughts in places where it felt authentic and I even stepped boldly into a place of leadership in effort to address something that I felt was unjust.

I definitely left the City exhausted, but I was also charged by how good I felt about being me!

What a perfect feeling to have as I prepare for this proposal defense to go down in T minus 4 days. I settle into who I am, just in time to get ready to launch myself into the world on the other side of this academic trek.

That.Feels.Good.

I could say way more…but I'm just going to end in that place.

Thanks for listening!!

Thank You, Jake. I Love You! Fly Free!!!!!!

A few years ago, a beautiful gray cat changed my life.

I posted a notice on the electronic bulletin board in my building indicating that I would provide pet sitting services for neighbors who were interested. I was hesitant at first but Lawrence encouraged me to go for it and see what happened.

It wouldn't be long before I received my one and only request for a consultation.

That day I met Lissa. She lived on the other side of the building and from the moment she opened the door we clicked like we had known each other already for years. I instantly connected with Jake and found out that Lissa and I had much in common. We are both Social Workers with a passion for working with teens, and she was just a really kind human being.

Thanks to Jake, Lissa and I have become great friends. She cares for my cats when I'm out of town and she and Jake have truly helped me create a sense of connectedness and family in my home away from NY home.

Today, Lissa and Jake gave me the honor of being there with him as he made his transition. He had spent a strong 16 years as a part of Lissa's family and had come to a place where he was ready to be free of pain. We shared memories and tears, and covered him in love.

I'm so grateful to you Jake. You being born meant that I got to experience friendship and sisterhood with your mom. You helped expand my sense of community. To you, I am eternally grateful.

May you find peace and eternal joy.

I love you.
Thank you for sharing your mommy with me.

Harambee!
Auntie Zuleka

I have a date!

After several weeks of anticipation, I finally got the message I was waiting for…well, sort of.

This afternoon, I received an email from my advisor with the date and time for my proposal defense.

I must be honest, I did not initially shout with joy. I was definitely praying that it would be much sooner, but after a short sulking moment, I gave thanks and got excited.

I've been taking my time to prepare my slides, and am going to get myself as ready as possible.

November 3, 2014, 12pm…Here we come!