In 2017, I created a website called created “Color Me Thoughtful.” My first post listed the 65 books I read in 2016.
2017 was also the year I got a full-time job as a teacher’s assistant, eventually becoming a full-time science teacher in the following year. I taught physics and biology, led two science fairs, and quickly got the reputation of being teacher that was often confused with being a high school student. (Thanks Mom and Dad for the youthful genes).
At first, I was so excited to have this job. For starters, it was my first “big girl job” (aka my first full-time job after graduating from university). Also, teaching is the air I breathe. The high I get off of it and seeing my student’s “lightbulb” moments? Everything. 😍
Teaching is also something that I have done since high school. In fact, being a math tutor was my very first job at age 13. I got the job thanks to my teacher who saw my educating ability in Algebra class.
As I irony would have it, I started to hate teaching. Not in general, but just at this school that gave me my “big girl job.” The support that I needed as a teacher just was not there. I also dreaded school mornings and the hour long commute I took to go to school. Hardly a day went by that I didn’t have migraine. I was truly a mess.
But “Color Me Thoughtful” was on my mind. (See what I did there? 😏) It eventually became “Cerebralistic” and I would have daydreams of how I could use this slice of pixelated space to feel more useful as an educator.
Given my long commutes, I would devour books to and from work (at least when I wasn’t exhausted beyond belief). And I would share them online. Soon enough, people online (and offline, too) would ask me what I was reading.
As I shared my reads, my opinions on society and religion, and scientific ideas I found notable, more people began to listen. It was totally unexpected. I mean, I was just expressing myself. Nothing more.
With book lists, science and philosophy articles, and a bit of social commentary, Cerebralistic became what you see today: an online platform provide introspective, curious thinkers the tools to thrive in their intellectual life.
Speaking of which…👀
When I’m not working on Cerebralistic or curled up with a book, I’m usually dancing, often times to an Afro Beats tune. If I’m not dancing, then I’m likely singing. Just don’t tell me to do either of those things on the spot please. 🙃