The dedication page of my PhD dissertation (full text on pg 17 in pdf, https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.16563717.v1 ):
To God, who gave me life — a heart that beats, lungs that contract and expand with air, blood that flows through me in beautiful rhythms, and the light of my soul. To God, who gave me a family who loves me, who gave me friends who support and nourish me, who gave me health
and my abilities, who guided me when I was lost, and who took care of my concerns, the ones I know of and the ones I do not know of. To God, who provided sustenance, clothing, safety, financial security, medicine, and sense of belonging for me. To God, who created my spirit with its exact uniqueness — with vulnerability, empathy, compassion, courage, creativity, curiosity, determination, sincerity, kindness, and with so much love. To God, who gave me Love, Mercy,
Kindness, Compassion, and Protection – even in the hours when I believed there were none – I dedicate my work and my life to You.
After God, I dedicate this dissertation to those who have lost their lives in pursuit of their PhD. For those who were oppressed, were discriminated against, had injustices done against them, who had horrible things happen to them and they could not speak out to get the justice and safety they deserved, and who were treated in such a way that they believed that taking their own lives was their best or only option during their PhD studies, I dedicate my dissertation to you.
The work I am doing currently is reminding me of some of the work in my PhD dissertation and today feels right to share my dedication page. 🤍🙏🏽🤲🏽
#Chemsky #HigherEd #InvisibleWorkSTEM #Dedication