A few weeks ago, I had no intention of doing anything outside of my regular family/work duties. No meetings. No calls. Nothing. But last week, LuzMaria informed me of a special request. An elementary school on the Lower East Side of Manhattan had some student journalists who wanted to interview me about my life and work. I hesitated for a bit because I wanted to barrage her with the usual questions about budget, time, and “Why are you doing that on my birthday WHEN YOU KNOW …”
I set that all aside and said, “OK, I’ll do it.” A few days later, I got a Zoom link. Magic.
For context, I also felt like the universe needed me to take a break. Before January 24th, I had done six interviews in six days, skipped Saturday, and then did four more on Sunday. Not only that, but I learned that Jossette Burgos – one of my Syracuse University mentors – had passed away due to health complications shortly after those Sunday interviews. The constant need to press forward even amidst mourning is partly a function of internalized capitalism, but also my Caribbean background, priding ourselves on having multiple – and unsustainable – jobs.
As I recalled Josie’s unwavering commitment to students like me, even in times when I knew her work had dried out her cup, she kept filling ours. I don’t remember her closing her corner office to me and so many others. I carry that example to this day.
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