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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& #39;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& #39;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& #39;m sad. It makes sense to feel sad. But I& #39;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& #39;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& #39;m sad. But, I& #39;m DR. YI. I& #39;m very lucky Dr. Yi, excited for my next adventure and the new puzzles that lie ahead. And I& #39;m deeply grateful Dr. Yi, grateful for the opportunities, lessons, and friendships formed over the last several years. Congratulations, #Cornell2020!
