03/30/2026
YALL! Tonight filled my cup in a way I didn’t even know I needed.
I had the honor of being invited to share my journey with Dr. Kristen Guillory's Next Level group as an alum. I showed up ready to give… but ended up receiving so much more.
In the middle of sharing, I briefly opened up about the kind of week I’ve been having and some of the professional challenges I’ve been navigating. Without hesitation, this group poured into me with such genuine affirmation, encouragement, and care.
And then… they celebrated me.
First they wrote Words of Affirmation in the chat and poured into me. Dr. G had me read them out loud. They took a moment to acknowledge me as the first Black Professor of Practice in my department. Y’all… I sobbed. Real tears. The kind that come from being seen, held, and reminded that you matter. My body shook. My chest heaved. I experienced a release that I've been needing for the last couple of years.
That moment reminded me just how powerful community is. Sometimes we don’t even realize how much we need it until it shows up and wraps itself around us.
My heart is so full. I even added a new song to my 2026 glow-up playlist! Because Dr. Kristen Guillory knows me well, they played MJB to send me off.
If you are feeling alone, overlooked, or hurting… please hear me: find your people. They are out there. And until you do, celebrate YOURSELF. Speak life over yourself. You are worthy right now. No matter what the world is telling you, YOU ARE WORTHY RIGHT NOW.
Thank you, Dr. G and the Next Level group, for giving me something I didn’t even know I needed. I will carry this with me into the week and beyond. Bonus shout out to my sis Christi Culpepper-Walker, PhD who was in attendance and always has my back. If you were there, please tag yourself. I added the pics I mentioned, me rested and the sunrise. Thank you again for giving me what I didn't even know I needed.
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