Feel the Fear & Do It Anyway, Reflections from Belgium

Welcome to the first article of my personal, and hopefully lifelong, blog. Why does it say January, yet it's being uploaded in February? Well, because I was afraid. Rather - I am afraid, present tense. That may surprise many of you because, typically, this is not how I present myself, nor what I preach. I don't shy away from big opportunities. I feel comfortable in my skin, my work, and my voice - even when speaking on global stages. But when it comes to writing, all of that confidence goes out the window. I am guarded when it comes to my own words.

"But Vee, you've written and published a book. You post lengthy, insightful captions on Instagram and LinkedIn every week. You've read your personal statements aloud on YouTube for hundreds of thousands to take notes from!"

I hear you. And you're right. But this is different.

This blog feels like staking my claim in a new way - as an expert in student affairs and girls' education policy. And for some reason, that makes me feel exposed. I want to make sure I speak from a place of fact, that I amplify the voices of students, and that I offer meaningful recommendations to policymakers. Having all of that in writing feels so definitive. It's something that can be clipped, dissected, and torn apart.

And yet - I record my life for the world to see without hesitation. A one-page article every month shouldn't be where I draw the line. And yet, here we are. That thought makes me giggle.

But it's time.

It's time to write, to develop my voice as a writer, and to ensure my insights are backed by research and real student experiences.

What am I hoping to gain from this?

I want to: 1) Establish myself as an expert in student empowerment and education policy. 2) Write for publications and contribute to policy discussions that actually create change. 3) Watch my own growth as I refine my stance on these issues over time.

I am now a scholar. A Doctor of Education in the making. I need to put my thoughts into the world. So, here's my ask: Don't judge me now. Judge me in six months, if you must. We are just testing the waters.

These will be opinion pieces, backed by research - but I want this to be a conversation. Comment, challenge, correct, suggest - I am a student of life and always will be. I will also keep these short and digestible - no classroom essays here! Just easy, insightful reads. For me, writing is intimate. It gives the reader an all-access pass to my thoughts and heart.

So, if nothing else - I hope you see my heart for student empowerment and the advancement of girls' education.

Yours truly,

(Honorary) Dr. Varaidzo Vee Kativhu