I look at this picture and I think “who is she? She looks important, smart and oh so confident!”

And then I laugh because as it turns out that girl is me.

While I might feel more comfortable without make up and in my very ripped jeans, I can’t keep denying the women that’s showing up in the world getting stuff done, making the dean’s list, and overall working to present her best self in the world.

It feels crazy to put myself in a category with other people I consider “academics” and “scholars” or even “smart people” but that’s part of who I am and who I’m becoming, regardless of the million things the voice in my head tells me….

The truth is: belonging starts with self acceptance. Believing I am good enough is what gives me the courage to show up be authentic, vulnerable, and imperfect. So instead of questioning myself, my belonging and living the false narrative I’ve created, I’m setting into the reality of I belong, everywhere, always.