Hi, I’m Ravynn!

Some time around October I decided that I was going to grad school.

Unlike applying to undergrad, I did not have my ducks in a row. I hustled and hurried and scrambled to get my documents in order. In the end, I’ll admit that I didn’t do as much research as I should have.

But never mind how I got here; the point is, now I’m here. A Black girl about to break into the Academy by way of a Masters/Ph.D. program in American Studies. (I needed to find a program that would entertain my obsession with superheroes. It is extremely validating to not be laughed at when I say I study graphic novels.)

Anyway, I start in about two and half weeks–my first grad class. Admittedly, nothing really makes me more excited than the first day of school. So I guess it’s appropriate that I’m going into a field that will allow me to enjoy the first day of school for the rest of my life.

But today? Today, I begin the first day of my two week training in my editorial apprenticeship for the William and Mary Quarterly.

Fun fact: in grad school, they expect you to hold a part time job/assistantship that they set up for you. It might be TA’ing, researching, editing, working an office job, etc. etc. Originally, the plan was for me to work in the American Studies grad office but an opportunity presented itself and I grabbed it. After writing for the webblog, Blackgirlnerds.com, all summer long, I was eager to keep working in writing and editing, so I didn’t hesitate when I was offered the job.

I don’t know that I’m nervous; it’s just another thing that I have to do on the path to getting my Ph.D. And I know for certain, whatever else I do in life, I’m getting that degree.

So let the games begin.