Tiffany Lytle

I finished my PhD, so here are pics from last year’s (early) celebrations. I’M SO GLAD I’M DONE, but honestly I’m still numb.

While I WISH I could say this was the best thing I ever did, it was not. I’ve come out completely broken, traumatized, and hopeless.

Dissertations are hard, but the emotional toll of grad school is harder… sure I learned about myself, but I also learned that for every person that loves and supports me there’s 10 more that want to tear you down.

Here’s some s**t I’m sick of, and YES I experienced all of this in the Academy: systemic oppression, poverty, power plays, ego tripping, racism, fear, anxiety, feeling worthless, overworking, underpaid, lack of empathy and appreciation— AND SO MUCH MORE.

Now, I’m taking a HUGE break from it all.
I learned hard lessons about the world, humans, and humanity, BUT DESPITE THAT, I busted my ass to build MYSELF a future. (GO FOLLOW PLZ)

Am I angry that a program that’s supposed to build the next generation of change-makers and educators is really just a capitalist enterprise that steals our souls? YES, OBVIOUSLY.

Lesson: don’t wait for people to give you permission to exist. Don’t let their hate, selfishness, and complete ineptitude seep into your mind.

I’m deeply thankful for Collin and the family, friends, and community that did rally to support me. I wish we all had power to change these experiences and stop them from happening again and again.

I almost drowned a thousand times, but still my heart knew I was right. F**k the system. I’m making art now, bi***es.

Signed— Dr. TIFFANY F**KING LYTLE