👩🏾🏫 Yesterday, I successfully defended my dissertation and became Dr. Kiara Shanay Lee.
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I started #SCHOOLGIRLHUSTLE back in 2015 at the very beginning of my PhD journey. I did so because I know what it’s like to be exhausted. I know what it’s like to face obstacles and to cry yourself to sleep, feeling that there is no solution in sight. I know what it’s like to fail a test, a midterm exam and a whole class. I know what it’s like to make horrible decisions. I know what it’s like to be indecisive. I know what it’s like to mistake fakes for friends and I know what it feels like to be heartbroken by those you love the most, be totally torn up inside, but have to teach a class or give a speech like nothing ever happened. I know how it feels to have a degree and still not be able to find a job. I know what it’s like to pick up and move alone to a new place for an educational opportunity without knowing anybody, relying on faith 1000 percent. I know what it’s like to cry to God alone in the bathroom asking Him for a sign, a way to get the money, or to forgive me for ignoring a red flag. I know what it’s like to know the answer, to be qualified for the opportunity and to be denied because of discrimination. I know what it’s like to have a man tell me that having my nose in the books was a problem. But I also know that we can still rise above and go get what’s ours. ⭐️
I know. You know. And my plan is for #SCHOOLGIRLHUSTLE to encourage us all to keep going. 😝
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#schoolgirlhustle #reflection #blackwomenlead #blackgirlsrock #blackwomenphds #gogetyours #theworldisyours #girlsruntheworld #dreambig #motivation #blackgirlswhoblog #diversifymedicine #blackgirlscode #phdlife #highschool #collegelife #gradschoollife
🙋🏾♀️INTRODUCTION🙋🏾♀️
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Hello! It was pointed out to me that I’ve never done an official “introduction” before on social media. Well my name is Kiara and I’m the founder/owner of #SCHOOLGIRLHUSTLE. I’m a student, finishing up my PhD in education at #VCU — before that, I got my Master’s in ed from #UVA and my bachelor’s degree in sociology from #UofR (Univ. of Richmond). I have 2 children’s books surrounding social justice issues — self-publishing those and having my community work featured on CNN changed my life. Starting at around age 20, I was juggling being a young college student with traveling for speaking gigs, my own tv show on public access, shoe drives & community events, news appearances, you name it. A crazy, fun journey that I thank God for blessing me with! I teach, I write, I love God, food, travel, thrifting, all things social justice and spending time with my family and friends. I like to call myself the most serious goofball you’ll ever meet because well, I’m the person that loves to laugh (and is often laughed AT frfr) but I know how to be serious when it comes down to it. I created #SCHOOLGIRLHUSTLE as a response to the experiences I’ve had and the experiences of other women trying to get through school and accomplish their goals, their DREAMS. It is NOT an easy journey, I know first hand. Quite a few times, I had considered dropping out (or circumstances made me consider it), ran across the wrong people who didn’t necessarily support me and my goals, had moments of wanting to give up and so much more I’ll share at another time. Because of that, I wanted to create a platform to support us while we do the damn thing and some t-shirts to show off our PRIDE in our hustle. And of course, proceeds from the shirts go toward school supplies for girls in need here in Richmond, VA. Since I started #SCHOOLGIRLHUSTLE, I’ve had the pleasure of fully sponsoring 3 girls (one per year - 2 elementary school-aged students and one high school-aged student) with their school supplies and other needs thanks to your support! More to come for YOU from SGH soon.
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#RVA #DMV #804 #VCU #queensonly #motivation #blackgirlsrock #yougotthis #collegelife #dreambig
