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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


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


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


The Educator I Want to Be
The following entry includes two excerpts from a section of my memoir focused on my diagnosis of a pseudoaneurysm and how it influenced...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Feb 23, 202414 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


My Humanity
The pounding in my ears coupled with the beating of my anxious heart reminds me of my humanness. Soul tapping deep into cavities unknown,...
Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
Jun 4, 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
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