| See the Girl

On, March 29,  I successfully defended my dissertation to earn my Doctorate in Social Work. It was the culmination of three years of work – a constant cycle of late nights, working weekends, and overbooked schedules.  I could not have done this without my tribe and village who supported me along the way. They believed in me even when I did not believe in myself, they pushed me when I had no push left, and they reminded me to rest because tomorrow was a new day and it would still be there. I am grateful for this journey and the lessons I have learned along the way but most of all I am grateful for my son’s words in the beginning when I did not think I could do all of this. When I first started thinking about applying for the DSW programming, I asked him, “what if I don’t get in??”  He quietly said, “You will,” and with that, I pressed the send button, the application for the DSW program was sent, and my journey began.

To all of you wandering in the “what ifs,” know that you can, and you will make it. That’s really what our work is about every day at the Policy Center: to make certain the girls we serve know, in their deepest moments of hopelessness and despair, we are the tribe that sees them and is always ready with an affirming “You will.”

10 Replies to ““You Will.” The journey to Dr. Basra”

  1. Lawanda Ravoira says:

    Congratulations! We all know you would achieve this milestone! Now exhale and take a break! You earned it.

  2. Lynn Sherman says:

    Vicky, Congratulations and blessings on your new journey! I’m excited for you and will miss you being across the hallway at the Jesse. Thanks for the “What if.” I needed that today! 🙂

  3. Vicky Zelen says:

    I’m interested in hearing Vicky speak about her subject of her paper – I’m pretty sure it was about how pimps groom women to become prostitutes. Congratulations!!! I can only imagine how much work was involved.

    • Policy Center says:

      Hi Vicky, thanks for your message. Stay tuned for information about hearing Vicky speak on this topic in the coming months. Grateful for your support.

  4. Bobbie O'Connor says:

    You did! (Out of the mouths of the young ones) ? Congratulations!! With care..Bobbie

  5. Jennifer Kowkabany says:

    Congratulations, Vicky! You are a truly an inspiration. Well done!

  6. Tricia says:

    Vicky,
    You are a amazing! You are a phenomenal woman in all that you do!
    Congratulations!!

  7. Kristin Hanson says:

    Congratulations Vicky! Well done.

  8. Erin Michelle Pruett says:

    Congratulations Vicky! You are such an inspiration to me and to so many others. Thank you for being you. Celebrating this huge accomplishment with you.

  9. Joanne Robertson says:

    Vicky
    I am so incredibly proud of you! I had no doubt that you would accomplish this (and more!) and seeing you push through and handle everything in your personal and professional life remains an inspiration to me!! Your grit and determination in all you do is amazing!!! Thanks for being you!! I see you!! ❤️

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