Welcome to fall! For me, it is one of the best times of the year. There is so much symbolism, culture, and history associated with this time of year.
The fall equinox happened this year on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in the Northern Hemisphere. Since the autumnal equinox, the days have started to get shorter for those in the Northern Hemisphere, and the sunrise is happening later. The astronomical definitions show that the equinox is the first day of fall. However, based on temperature cycles and the Gregorian calendar, the meteorological definition defines the first day as September 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and March 1st in the Southern Hemisphere.
And yet… I still return to the equinox because of this symbolism, history, and cultural traditions. In Peru, Machu Picchu has a stone monument called Intihuatana that serves to help mark the dates of the equinoxes and solstices. The Mayans in Mexico built Chichen Itza so that on equinoxes, the results make it look like a snake of light is making its way down the pyramid’s steps. Additionally, Stonehenge was constructed specifically to acknowledge the equinoxes and solstices. Then there are the different cultural celebrations that occur in the fall, including but not limited to Día de Muertos, Samhain, or Diwali.
Graduating
For me, this fall is special because my time as a graduate student is coming to a close. This will be my last blog post as a doctoral student. My time to graduate has come! And honestly, I love that it is happening at this time of year, a season of transition, where in my area, the trees change colors in preparation for winter, and the air becomes crisp, which is perfect for being outside. I can celebrate my accomplishments in nature and remind myself of the human connection to Earth and all that it has to offer and that we can offer back.
Accepting the Graduate Research Position
In the last blog post, I wrote about my interview. It is time to bring this piece of my story to a close. I was accepted as the CRESTSprogram graduate research assistant. I was thrilled! However, due to circumstances, I had to delay my start. Dr. West-Olatunji was supportive and assured me that my position would await me. Something to this day I am so incredibly grateful for because becoming a part of the CRESTSprogram team has made a significant impact on my life. In fact, throughout these last few months, I was writing my final 100-page paper, and the love and support that I received, especially from the CRESTSprogram team, helped me make it.
When it was finally my time to start, Dr. West-Olatunji made sure that I had a good self-care plan before starting, especially given that my start was delayed. I still remember that moment because it was a culture shift. So often, many of us are used to people viewing us for what we can accomplish rather than seeing us as human with many facets. Culture shifts can happen in the form of a whisper or be loud and roaring - and everything in between. It is the choices that we make. Do we do things the way dominant culture asks of us, or do we approach our lives and work with others from a culturally informed place? The choice to approach our lives and work from a culturally informed place has lasting impacts, even if we do not see them instantly. It leaves its mark in the hearts and minds of others, which is a gift.
My time as the CRESTSprogram graduate research assistant has been amazing. If you are reading this as a graduate student, consider applying when the position opens up. I know you will not regret it. Take that chance. I have learned a lot, and I hope to continue learning from this fantastic team.
Final Thoughts
Now, as I dance into fall (yes - dance!) and celebrate a significant milestone in my life, these are my final thoughts as a graduate student.
Decolonizing one’s thinking is not an easy journey. It requires diligence, hard work, dedication, and continued self-reflection. I know that I still have work ahead of me.
I saw a big gaping hole where I could advocate at my university. Do not stay silent. As a student, you have a voice. It is powerful! While doing your work, find ways to advocate for systematic change.
Finally, remember that learning is a lifelong journey. Always be a lifelong learner.
What’s Next?
Now it’s your turn! What must you honor, acknowledge, or celebrate with the changing seasons? Engage in some self-reflection. Take some time to explore your cultural equinox or fall traditions and those of others. Take on the lifelong learning role and learn more about traditions.
Practical Tips and Suggestions
Talk to elders in your family or community. See what you can learn from them about cultural and familial traditions.
Work with others to engage in research and learning opportunities. For example, each group member can pick a fall or equinox tradition they want to learn more about. Then, they can come back together as a group, and each person shares what they have learned.
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