obvious privileges as well– I am white in a mostly white discipline, and though we are also in a predominantly male field, white, cis-sex women have gained more entry to the field of astronomy than our colleagues from other marginalized backgrounds. While I struggle with both mental and physical disability, both are mostly well-controlled through treatment and both are usually not visible, so in sum, I have it easier than a lot of people.

However, one of the things that has been a challenge for me I think actually has helped me deal with a life in academia, particularly post-grad school, and that’s that I grew up with a lot of instability. I come from a family where I was expected to go to college, but I also went to college to get away from an abusive home, and after that I went to grad school not only because I wanted to be an astronomer, but because I had no plan B. I have been without a safety net for most of my life, which for better or worse, one gets used to.

In reflecting on some of the choices I’ve made in my life as well as my career, 