top of page
I write regularly on my Substack newsletter, Wanderlust Narratives, which became my primary writing space in December 2025. Some pieces also live here on my website.
Subscribe however works best for you:
- Substack gets you weekly essays delivered to your inbox (subscribe above)
- Website subscription sends occasional updates when new work appears here (subscribe at the end of the page)
Either way, I'm glad you're here.
You can browse recent and featured writing below.
Water Color Skies
Right around the end of May, you’ll find me preparing my car, preparing it for an annual road trip to Illinois, where I spend a...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Aug 9, 20237 min read
Using han, Finding jeong
This is the final reflection I shared in my dissertation. I reflect on my Korean culture and heritage, and the process of using the...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jul 31, 20234 min read
What's Next?
What's after the PhD?
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jul 28, 20232 min read
Finding Joy
I am currently sitting at the dining table at my house in the Midwest. I don't actually live here - my dad does - but this house has been...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jul 4, 20234 min read
Life After the PhD
I initially started this website a year ago when I felt as if I was drowning, struggling to find out what my next steps would be and...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jun 20, 20234 min read
You Are Not Alone: Reflections and Encouragement on Graduate School and Being Whole
This piece is on my journey as a PhD student and encouragement for others to remember to remain whole.
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jun 5, 20238 min read
Finishing the Ph.D.
Perhaps you are a newly minted Ph.D., out in the scary world of academia trying to weather the storm, unsure of when to ease the...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jun 4, 20238 min read
See the World
Photos in here are my own photos I've taken from my trip to Belize in March 2023. Let's go to Rome, To see the Trevi Fountain, Or visit...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jun 1, 20231 min read
Housing Justice in San Diego
I've lived in San Diego for most of my life. I was born here, grew up here, left at 18, September 2006, and returned September 2011, 5...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
May 19, 20237 min read
This Mother's Day
Today, on this Mother's Day, We collectively celebrate those who raised us, sacrificed for us, and laid down their lives for us, Who have...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
May 13, 20232 min read
Doctor
I'm a big Doctor Who fan. I'm aware of a lot of its problems, like imperialism and such, but it has managed to maintain my attention for...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Apr 30, 20233 min read
Masking Tools of Oppression as Equity
I wrote this piece in the summer of 2021, but I've updated it and added some additional thoughts as things have shifted, but really not...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jan 6, 20233 min read
Stay Today
The smell of the fresh rain hitting the gravel road, The light that showed, Roared, And sparked in the sky, Reminding us of the beauty of...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jul 23, 20221 min read
Heartland of the United States
As an academic, teacher, activist, and "progressive" (leftist) living in a large city, I can't help but reflect on things as I drive...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jul 9, 20224 min read
Breathing, Fighting
I wrote this poem in the summer of 2020, but I wanted to share it now so it's more recent and accessible. Feeling, breathing, fighting,...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jul 6, 20221 min read
Today is More
This poem is written by Charlene. © 2022 Quiet among the crickets' songs, With sounds of cars chasing taillights in a city always...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Apr 12, 20222 min read
A Different Family: An Introduction
This is an introduction to the first realistic fiction novel I am writing. Meeting this family, we learn that they are a little...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Oct 17, 20214 min read
Missed Chances
The story of love goes on beyond, The starry sky and land and sea, Of how two people connect and meet and end up happily. That happy ever...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Oct 12, 20211 min read
The Cosmos
(Pictured: Painting of Earth, Venus, Mercury, the Sun surrounded by cosmos. My 5-year-old daughter stopped me from covering up my attempt...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Sep 21, 20191 min read
bottom of page