AGE: 52

PROFESSION: Anthropologist and Professor

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What is the best thing about being your age?

Life experience and perspective. You learn to know the difference between when you have to be at your absolute best and when it’s good enough. This will save you a lot of time, resources, and sleep!

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What's your favorite thing you have checked off your bucket list?

Being a good solo traveler! I’ve had the opportunity to live in other countries and to do a lot of solo traveling. I’m lucky I can travel for work and have the resources to do so. Continuing to learn about different perspectives and ways of life is something that I will do for the rest of my life. Nothing teaches you more about yourself than learning about the many different ways to be human.

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​What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession are my relationships. I stand on the shoulders of giants. I am here because of my community of family and friends.

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​What advice would you give your younger self?

You don’t have to do everything by yourself. Learn to ask for help, even if it’s just someone to listen to you. You are not alone. Find your people and invest in those relationships - safety in numbers!

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What is your motto or favorite quote?

“In the blackest of your moments, wait with no fear.” - Rumi

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Words of wisdom to younger women

Don’t run away from your failures - it’s at the edge of who you are and who you can become. To be clear, this is easier said than done and it takes work. But, if you can manage to get out of your own way, you can find yourself in a really fruitful and dynamic space.

 

Finding a way to be gentle with yourself in failure allows you to move from a different place that can be healing.

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Additional thoughts on aging...

You get to forgive yourself.

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