ADI Spotlight: Jolaun Hunter English Ph.D. Student "Instilling balance and rest in my day-to-day schedule has been helpful for my acclimation to Princeton. I’m just as intentional about my schoolwork as I am about taking the time to watch my favorite TV shows, participating in workout classes, and getting my nails done regularly!" ADI Spotlight: Mélena “Mae” Laudig Religion and African American Studies Ph.D. Candidate “Princeton is a space of abundance. I am grateful for the privileges that I have as a student here, and it's a little overwhelming sometimes. I think all marginalized students on campus should feel empowered to stake claims to the resources available. I find that some students feel guilty about doing so, but I want to encourage you by telling you that these resources are here for YOU! Use them shamelessly.” ADI Spotlight: Richard Thornton Molecular Biology Ph.D. Candidate “Find your people and know yourself... Make sure that you are aware of how you interact with new information, how you manage stress, how you treat your mental health, and how you find enjoyment. There are so many opportunities in grad school, but for most of them, you have to be the one to ask for them, create them, or plan them.” ADI Spotlight: Lawrence Chamunorwa Comparative Literature Ph.D. Student “In applying to Princeton, one of my former professors told me that I was not "Ivy League pedigree." But I took the chance anyway and got in! Sometimes what it takes is to dare to take that bold step, and to trust one's abilities, no matter what people say. Now, my experience at Princeton has been so enriching, especially through ADI, that I have found no better place to belong!” ADI Spotlight: Erin Flowers Astrophysics Ph.D. Candidate “...[T]hroughout my undergrad and grad career, I've done my best to uplift other people of color, and specifically Black women, to pursue astronomy, astrophysics, and STEM in general. Being able to do the research I love while also working to improve diversity in STEM has been immensely rewarding, but also a lot of fun.” ADI Spotlight: Odette Overton Domestic Policy, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) Masters in Public Affairs “I've struggled to find community for most of my life and really appreciate that ADI provides an inclusive and safe space where I feel like I can be myself. It's especially important at an institution like Princeton where people with my background aren't the norm.” ADI Spotlight: Kristina Solorio-Kirpichyan Molecular Biology Ph.D. Candidate “I have considered quitting my program more times than I can count. But I am still here! Do not lose sight of what your main motivations are. For me, that's my family. Not once have they ever doubted my ability to succeed, so why should I? ...I have what it takes to accomplish anything I set my mind to.” ADI Spotlight: Camille "Mimi" Borders History Ph.D. Student “I am the product of a loving and affirming family that told me from a young age that I could do anything. Every night growing up when my dad would tuck me in he would say, "you are smart, you are beautiful and you can do anything." This affirmation continues to motivate, inspire and challenge me to achieve my dreams and represent my ancestors in all I do.” ADI Spotlight: Alejandro Garcia Fernandez Sociology and Social Policy Ph.D. Student “To me you are a superhero. Part of the work you do is always in support of minorities and the underrepresented. Educating people on how to build a welcoming community.” ADI Spotlight: Seraya Jones Molecular Biology Ph.D. Student “... be unapologetically you. You may have some preconceived notion of what a Ph.D. student should be -- throw that out the window. I promise in doing so, you will enjoy the full immersive Ph.D. student experience for yourself and as yourself... who does not want to show up as their full self?” ADI Spotlight: Christopher Lawrence Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. Candidate “ADI programming has helped to give me a sense of community and belonging outside of the normal day to day life at Princeton. It's nice to be around other people who look like me and have similar experiences in life.” ADI Spotlight: Jorge Moreno Molecular Biology Ph.D. Candidate “...I learned that in certain situations, when people look down on you or your perceived skills, attitude is critical to changing those perceptions and that no one will have your back like you will. Now I am the biggest believer in myself and in my abilities to accomplish tasks that seem almost impossible.” ADI Spotlight: Jaime Sánchez, Jr. History Ph.D. Candidate “...most of my life has been a series of firsts: first born in America, first to learn English, first to attend college, and very soon the first Ph.D.” ADI Spotlight: Amari Tankard Molecular Biology Ph.D. Candidate “There is always, always a seat for you at the table. Whether you believe you have earned that seat is sometimes an unfortunate lie we tell ourselves. The situation would not have presented itself to you if you were not worthy and deserving of a seat. So step up, sit down, and make your voice heard.” ADI Spotlight: Néhémie Guillomaitre Chemical and Biological Engineering Ph.D. Student “ADI has helped me to connect with peers I can relate to, which I especially appreciated during COVID times because it was really difficult to meet people, much less the people you connect with.”
