Hello good people. After the head rushing success of last
week’s blog (over 500 views!), I decided I needed to get personal. This blog is
more of a testament to me, the strong, independent opinionated librarian you
all are learning to love.
What brought this on? This week I did an Earth
shattering thing for a newly graduated Black professional of 46… I got a Monroe
piercing. Yes…
How radical. It was my way of celebrating my harrowing journey
of 7 years of graduate school. Yes. Seven. And no… I don’t have a PhD. What I
do have are two Masters degrees. Two hard fought Masters degrees, motivated by
one conversation I had before I even made it in to graduate school…
*fade into story mode*
A well meaning upper-middle
classed white female Archaeologist/professor denied my request to write a letter
of recommendation for me to get into the Anthropology program. Her reason was that I wasn’t
dedicated enough to make it in graduate school. She based her opinion on the
fact that I chose to miss class because I had to work. From that day on, I was
determined that by hell or high waters, I would prove her wrong.
*exit story mode*
My graduate school years were anything but easy. I was
divorced, moved to another city, my father died, I got re-married, got divorced
again, and moved to a third city… all while trudging along the path to
graduation. Every day of my life for the last ten years, I’ve had class of some
kind. I’ve worked part time, full time, danced professionally, hustling several
“gigs” at once… all with one goal in mind; graduation.
So… fast forward to 2016… After much gnashing of teeth and
crying of tears, I was finally given the green light. Masters of Science in
Anthropology and Masters of Library Science. Ms. Archaeologist said I wasn’t
dedicated enough to get one, and here I am with TWO Masters degrees. (Take that
naysaying professor). And it was here that I was faced with the scariest
reality of my life.
I AM A 46 YEAR OLD PART-TIME LIBRARIAN WITH NO INSURANCE.
My dream of being scooped up upon graduation has not
manifested. Like many other newly
graduated professionals, I am watching all my job prospects dissolve... leaving me with... me.
My promise to myself was that when I graduated, I would
celebrate with a Monroe piercing, something I’ve always wanted. Unfortunately, faced
with the task of entering the tight and demanding job market, I was afraid of
how it would hinder me professionally. What doors would be closed because of my
natural hair, multiple piercings (I already have a nose ring and several
earrings… and a defunct tongue piercing…) and tattoos. EGAD. But then… the
silence of employers made me realize one very important lesson. No matter who
hires me, I have to be true to me.
The real truth is this. I’m bad arse. Period. I have a
Masters degree in Anthropology AND one in Library Science. I have a bachelor’s
degree in Mathematics. (How many Black women can say that?) I’ve already taught
hundreds of Black children who have grown to be wonderful successful members of
society. I’ve conducted unique and groundbreaking research here in New Orleans
and I help young college students every day to be successful through research
and technology. So. I’ve earned the right to be me. To do me. No one has to
approve me. I can make my own way.
So. That’s what I’m doing. This piercing was my way of
reclaiming my soul. This piercing solidifies my worth as a Black professional
who can define my own terms. If no one hires me, screw them. I know how to
create my own roads. I spent 7 years learning to be a bad arse. I’m ready to
show the world me. I hope the world is ready!
So... Here's a video for those that requested to see me in person. I was in "going to bed" mode and made this video to see if it works. It was the most genuine take I've done, so you get the raw and uncut, wild fro "Afro Librarian". I hope you can hear me... Please leave comments etc (Be nice... or I'll find you... cuz I'm a researcher) letting me know about the sound quality etc of the video.
Til next time,
Peace and light
The Afro Librarian
