The life that Yumi lived as a young girl has shaped her into the kind of person and mother she is. Sure, she is not the best mother but she knows that she has a responsibility for her children, which drives her to become a better mother. Potatoes grow underground, unseen in a moist environment until they are ready to sprout up and be picked from the ground. Yumi's childhood was underground in which she experienced some dark things. But these experiences only helped her grow into a better woman—slowly, until she is ready to sprout up out from underground and finally be her own self. Due to these dark circumstances underground, the act of Yumi actually sprouting out only really happens when she is well into her adult years.

Where was I?

Beginning this semester I felt mobilized and hungry. I came out of a summer research fellowship with the confidence that I could make room for race in the academy (this is so loaded and overzealous but still). As the semester progressed it felt more and more difficult to relocate that initial hunger….

Where am I?

I’m looking forward to next semester.

Between?

Dear Jody,

Vivian O’Bannon

Jody Cohen

Emily Balch Seminar: Changing Our Story

December 13, 2016

Politeness: Lack of Inclusion Does Not Mean Exclusion

Communication: Vaster than balance, and more complicated