I’d like to dedicate my last blog post as a part of this project to what I have learned from each of you during these past three days. Today, as we were together for both Moral Monday, a wholesome discussion on advocacy and self-care, and the sealing of our project, it dawned on me how special our time together has been. Before starting our trip, I was not personally acquainted with our team, but I’ve loved hearing and seeing the collective power of our voices. Our team is a team of strong women, which has been a running undercurrent of both our time with the Legacy 3 and time together. I think it was only fitting that we each contributed ideas to our final exhibit, which felt like puzzle pieces that easily merged into a product bearing each of our fingerprints. It’s been a joy to add some resonating phrases and memories from this trip in my personal joy book. To share a few, I have “powerful women”, “my bold moment,” “Mafia is savage,” “high school musical gang,” “thank God my ears did not fall off, a quote” and “love your neighbor” from the Wesby house. I feel like our conversations today helped culminate the connections we have made. Even in these three short days, I already find myself playing a vivid movie reel in my head—imagining Karen, Lynn and Janet’s experiences— about the campus we now share and call home. The very buildings that we take classes in, study in, and grow in are the ones that Karen, Lynn and Janet contributed to as the first residential African American students. Entering these spaces colored by the Legacy 3 both humbles and inspires me to continue filling these same hallways and classrooms and buildings with empathy and positivity. I’m so fortunate to know that everyone I’ve met during this trip has already been spreading their own special energy into our collective project—our collective home—William & Mary. With the end of the Lemon Project, I have built relationships with 11 plus other genuine, bright, loving and curious students. These are open relationships that I’m excited to continue when I return from India. It honestly warms my heart—time almost stands still and I breathe gratitude—when I have stepped back these past three days to appreciate. To appreciate these moments I’ve had learning about spaces and the first African American women at William & Mary’s legacy. To appreciate the people I’ve been able to explore these moments with. To appreciate the campus I will return to after a new journey. To appreciate the act of self-care and finding my own power. To appreciate imperfections and playful curiosity. To appreciate people’s stories and common experiences. To appreciate just to appreciate.
With love, always—Shivani.