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Our Stories
Reflections on the stories we're told and leaning into a culture of connection and rest over hustle and grind.
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Apr 147 min read
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What We Should Do
A Doctor Who quote, some graffiti, and a flat in Spain; sometimes the universe whispers, “You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.”
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Mar 239 min read
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The Fulbright Program and What We Can Do
Fulbright Scholars around the world are without money right now: Here's what we can do.
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Mar 86 min read
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The Wanderlust Threader
A year before I finished my PhD I created my public profile on various social media platforms. The handle was some variation of “Charley...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Oct 24, 20244 min read
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10 Tips for the Grad School Journey
These 10 tips are designed for graduate students, and potential graduate students, during their grad school journeys.
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
May 26, 202414 min read
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I Was Korean Until the 2nd Grade, and Again When I Had a Cerebral Pseudoaneurysm
This entry is about my identity as a white, Korean neurodivergent woman. Part of this identity also encompasses my connection to my...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Dec 13, 202311 min read
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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
Aug 1, 20234 min read
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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
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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
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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
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