Behind the Blog
Behind the Blog
A first-gen PhD candidate on a mission to make higher education more accessible.
Who am I?
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I'm a History PhD candidate at Brown University, specializing in 20th-century U.S. history. My dissertation focuses on service workers at American universities in the early to mid-20th century.
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I started this blog in 2018 as a creative outlet and a space to build community with other students. Navigating educational spaces has never come easy to me—especially with all the unwritten rules—and I’ve always felt strongly that anyone interested in furthering their education should be given the tools to do so. Several years later, I’ve stayed true to that core value and continue to share what I learn as I pick up new tips and tricks for navigating higher education.
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My biggest passion in life is sharing what I’ve learned with others—because why do it the hard way? I love sharing on this blog, in my classes, and one-on-one when I work with students applying to grad school.
I hope this blog can be a space for students who are trying figure out all the unwritten rules of academia.
I started this blog in college with stars in my eyes and a lot of big plans. Now, as a full-time PhD student, it’s safe to say I’ve learned a lot on this journey. As a first-gen student who grew up feeling like I was navigating an alien world while applying to college on my own and then figuring out the frightening process of applying to a PhD program, I hope this blog can be a space for students who are trying to piece together their ideal educational experience and chase their goals of becoming an academic weapon (is that still a thing?). Join me on this journey as I share the highs and lows of being a first-gen student of color pursuing my dream of being an academic, and hopefully, paving a path to make it easier for those who come after me.