I turned in my dissertation and am officially done with my doctoral studies. Typing these words feels surreal—at many points, graduation seemed too far away or simply impossible. But, it’s happening! Next week, I will graduate from Harvard University with a PhD in American Studies and a Secondary Field in Latinx Studies. 

I feel relieved, grateful, and tired. I have been exhausted ever since my dissertation defense. I did not expect to feel so tired. Even though I did my best to pace myself with writing and revisions, the final stretch was still tough. 

I wish I was more excited and proud of getting to this moment, but maybe those feelings will come once I’m well-rested. It has been a long and arduous journey. Rest is necessary.

I hope to write a longer reflection on my PhD journey. But, for now, I figured it would be enough to share that I am finished with this part of my life and that—while tired— I am also incredibly grateful. I thank God for everything that led me to this moment. I learned many lessons during graduate school. Overall, I am a stronger and better person than I was when I started. I met wonderful people along the way. I learned that care carries us through. I thank my loved ones for believing in me and for loving me through it all. I also thank you, dear reader, for caring about me and my journey. I hope that somewhere along the way, I’ve written something that inspired you, or at least reminds you that you are not alone. Thank you.