Hi friends!

It’s been almost two years since I last updated you all on my grad school journey — way too long, I know! So much has changed since then, and now feels like the perfect time to catch you up.

As of the first, I have officially entered my final year of grad school — also known as my internship year! Even more exciting: I’m no longer in California. I matched with the University of South Carolina for internship and made the big cross-country move from CA to SC. After over two decades rooted on the West Coast, I’m finally getting a taste of life in the South.

You might be wondering what’s happened since my last post back in December 2023. Honestly? A lot!

Since then, I’ve:

• Wrapped up my time at Peet’s Coffee ☕
• Adopted a new bird (Momo)
• Completed my role as a California Psychological Associate at a private practice in the Bay Area, where I provided therapy and assessments to a lovely caseload of clients
• Finished two very different practica: one at a disability-focused community mental health agency, and one at a locked psychological care facility

My barista job taught me a lot about people, making connections and most importantly, making coffee. My associateship and additional placements also taught me a lot — not just about the field, but about myself. They stretched me in different ways, and I’m incredibly grateful for the growth (even when things were challenging).

Academically, I also wrapped up my coursework at the Wright Institute and shifted my focus to… the dissertation (cue dramatic music 🎻). After a few changes in direction, I finally landed on a topic that feels meaningful and personal to me:
“Untangling Identity: Black Women’s Narratives on Natural Hair and Its Influences on Appearance, Self-Esteem, and Identity.”
It’s a labor of love, and I’m hoping to complete it by November this year—send good vibes!

Outside of school and clinical work, I’ve been trying to stay connected to personal writing and other hobbies. I always tell my clients that balance is essential when juggling work and school — like a well-balanced meal, you need a well-balanced life to sustain yourself. (Now if only we all followed our own advice, right?)

For now, most of my energy is going into internship and dissertation work — but I’m also excited to explore my new home here in Columbia, SC. If you have any recommendations within a few hours of here like food, hikes, or hidden gems, please send them my way!

I don’t know exactly what this year will bring, but I’m looking forward to the growth, new friendships, unexpected moments, and changes ahead.

To those of you still following along, thank you. Your support means the world. I’m hoping to post more regularly this year especially as I go through my internship year, so stay tuned for more updates as I navigate this final chapter of grad school.

For now, I’ll say see you soon — and wish me luck!

Have a great week, happy Sunday 💛