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(1/6) This weekend, I was supposed to be @Cornell, celebrating my becoming Dr. Yi. Tonight, my family was to arrive in Ithaca in time for the @CornellSoc ceremony where I would've had the chance to introduce them to some of the incredible people who have shaped my journey.
(2/6) Tomorrow, I was to participate in my PhD hooding, where, dressed as a tiny wizard, I 100% would've made my advisors feel uncomfortable YET secretly moved by SOBBING for the whole event, then asking, bleary-eyed, for a group photo, taken by another, similarly emotional Yi.
(3/6) I'm sad. It makes sense to feel sad. But I'm totally surprised by just how truly, near-achingly, sad I feel right now. After all, the reservations were cancelled last month, my defense went remote, and the graduation plans turned tentative the month prior. This is old news!
(4/6) But as I reflect, it quickly becomes clear why I am (still) sad. First, over these years, I've grown so much, learned so much about myself and the world, allowing me to emerge w/a voice, a perspective that is both evidence-based and deeply personal. I grew up in this place.
(5/6) Second, over these years, I have met and built bonds with some incredible friends and mentors with extraordinarily beautiful big hearts, formidable minds, irrepressible visions of a better world, and the will to try and get us there. I found hope and home in this place.
(6/6) So, I'm sad. But, I'm DR. YI. I'm very lucky Dr. Yi, excited for my next adventure and the new puzzles that lie ahead. And I'm deeply grateful Dr. Yi, grateful for the opportunities, lessons, and friendships formed over the last several years. Congratulations, #Cornell2020!
