Andrea Riley Mukavetz

I think a lot of things, time is luck, you know, because I don't think that people who might not have the same type of job or credentials as me aren't hard workers. So I said luck first because I feel like that's important to say, but definitely hard work too. To me, I have a strong, supportive partner. I've had parents who show up for me and for my children when I need them there. I've had friends and community members who've put the work in for me, or have said hard, difficult things to make me grow. You know, and that's difficult to receive that feedback. I often say feedback is a gift, and I believe that I've been gifted with feedback, and so I try to carry that forward. I'm really grateful for my ancestors in a lot of ways. They all made really hard and difficult decisions, and I feel that's something I think about a lot, what were the things that my ancestors went through or had to go through, and how am I carrying that on for the next 7 generations.

I would say a couple things. One, to really think about how to apply, be thoughtful about how they apply their knowledge. Take the time to listen and understand the community that they're in. And find a strong network of people who will both advise and guide you, but a part of that is also pushing yourself to grow and be uncomfortable in what you know and what you don't know. And also, you don't have to wait to make space for other people. As people are making space for you, you can do those things at the same time.

I think collaboration and teamwork is key. For me, managing emotional responsibility is talking to my community, my village, my partners, both in and out of work, to help navigate that. I think it's also doing things outside of work, having a family, or a strong friend group, or community, taking care of your body in whatever way that means. So if it's strength training, if it's being out in nature, if it's nutrition, or field trip practices, being able to find that connectedness so that way you're grounded in other parts of your life. Work shouldn't be your only responsibility, or your only role in the world. I also believe in not taking anything too seriously, in the sense that there's a lot of different ways that we own our responsibility, but at the same time, knowing that it does and shouldn't fall all on one person. I think having fun is important. I have a PhD, but that doesn't mean that I only want to absorb serious content. I think allowing oneself to feel your full range of emotions when you feel appropriate is completely okay.