Since the practice of self-reflection is very crucial to the work that I do with students, I have found it to be important for myself as well. Through means of journaling, sketching, verbalizing, and deep thought, I have tried to discover more of what I value during my time in graduate school. This photo of myself at the 2015 NASPA Dear World exhibit really shows some of that reflection — it reads, “You’re a person first”. Graduate school is a balancing act between personal life, social life, academics, work, internships, and wellness. The lesson that I must first take care of myself before I can serve others is crucial to this work, and I am thankful for the ongoing lesson in patience as I discover how to live into that mindset.