3 Lessons Learned From First Year

I have completed my first year of graduate school. Words cannot describe how proud and amazed I am with myself. After countless hours at the library—reading, studying, analyzing, and creating—I have completed 33.3 percent of my program requirements with the Department of Library Science and African American and African Diaspora Studies.

My mindset when I started versus where it is now is nothing short of coming full circle. I remember going to my first class and calling my dad and boyfriend immediately afterward, saying, “I think I’m in over my head.” And to be honest, sometimes I still feel that way.

There were a lot of firsts during my first year of graduate school. I got my first apartment, my first boyfriend, my first big-girl job, and my first real taste of the world. This reflection is dedicated to the three lessons I learned while chasing my dreams and learning more about myself.

1. Life Doesn’t Stop Here

When I started graduate school, I was excited because the past two years of my undergraduate studies weren’t the best of my life, to say the least. I surrounded myself with stressors that, I later learned, never served me well. I was ready for a new university, a new life, and new adventures. Most importantly, I was ready to set aside the old and embrace the new. Life is about starting over constantly—regrouping yourself with the knowledge you’ve accumulated. You graduate high school and enter the world, constantly starting over whether in careers, relationships, or schools. Life doesn’t stop where you left off; it begins again. Graduate school isn’t the end—it’s just a piece of the puzzle in constructing my beautiful (hopefully long!) life.

2. You Are Enough

“I think I’m in over my head” was one of the first statements I told myself when starting graduate school. Honestly, I doubted I was smart enough for my classes. I was in courses with Ph.D. students who were deeply devoted to their work. I, too, am devoted, but I didn’t always know where to start. I felt like a small fish in a big pond.

I decided to get involved: I joined Graduate Student Government, became a representative for the African American and African Diaspora Studies Department, earned a fellowship position, reached out to a mentor, and connected with my cohort. Even with all of this, I still questioned myself. My AAADS professor, Dr. Grim, helped me realize that I am smart enough, my work is meaningful, and giving up is never the answer.

3. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Life continues while you’re in school. Bills need to be paid, relationships need attention, and your mental, physical, and emotional health matters. I didn’t expect to fall in love before starting graduate school, but I did. I fell deeply in love with a man who pushes me to be my best and follow my dreams. Love didn’t make me change my goals—it taught me how to adjust and grow while continuing forward.

During my first year, I worked two jobs, did ballet, recovered from mononucleosis (aka the kissing disease), and navigated relationships changing—all during COVID-19.

My first year was unique, crazy, fun, stressful, and above all, mine. I am proud of myself—not just for completing a portion of my program, but for how much I’ve grown. This year didn’t show me how smart I am—I knew that already—but it showed me how much I can love myself in every phase of life.

I loved myself enough to not give up. I loved myself enough to keep chasing my dream of becoming Professor Hunt (hyphenated last name of my husband). I loved myself enough to put God first, trusting Him to provide what I could not handle alone.

Life doesn’t stop here. This is only one part of the puzzle of my ever-growing journey, and I am thankful to be writing it every single day.