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My mom sent me this photo this morning with the caption reading, “Take her to NY.  She owns the world.  I love you AliCat❤️” Awhhhh, right?

But seeing this photo of myself weirdly reminded me of who I am. In the midst of anxiety over how I should be asking people on LinkedIn for their time when they owe me absolutely nothing to stupid things like what I should pack for the trip, I stopped to look at this photo and had a moment of clarity.

My professors believed in me enough to let me be here!! When I didn’t think I was going to be able to afford this experience I got a scholarship!! I am going to the United Nations!! I get to be in a cohort lead by one of the most inspiration people I have ever met!! I will literally get to walk through the doors of my dream job in less than 1 week!! LIKE ! These things do not just happen to people who are not powerful.

Believing in my own magic has been a theme in my life from before this photo was taken (clearly lmao) and while anxiety or imposter syndrome may make me forget sometimes, seeing this photo this morning helped me to remember that that’s exactly why I’m here. I hope y’all have get to have moments like this before we take off for NYC because now I feel more empowered than ever– exactly the energy I’ll be needing for such an exhausting trip.

So here’s to New York and all of the amazing things we’re going to do there!

5.3.19 - Alex Dalton