gertrudeagbozo

I'm almost 44 and have spent the better part of two decades being someone's mentor: formally, informally, voluntarily, and sometimes volun-told. I have read and edited hundreds of resumes and cover letters, sent emails on behalf of others, made calls I didn't need to make, and spent countless hours providing advice over coffee or a meal. I have walked others through the politics of rooms I had to bleed to get into. I did it because my life has been nothing short of lots of miracles—and I’ve a...

There's a specific breed of person you've definitely encountered at dinner parties, in the friend group or awkward work lunches. They're waiting for their moment. You mention something—anything—about a popular show, and their eyes light up. Not with interest, but with opportunity. "Oh, I don't watch TV," they announce, with a self-satisfied air. Despite my best efforts, I immediately judge those people and put them in a special box in my head. I LOVE TV. However, that’s not why I am judging...

If this pink platform Croc had a theme song, it would be, "I'm a Survivor." A few months ago in Berlin, a woman walking next to me, fell down the stairs leading to the train. I immediately rushed down to assist her. To my surprise she seemed frightened of me—as if I was going to rob her. I shared the incident with a friend wondering if racism was at play—but they remarked, “People in Berlin are not used to getting help. That’s probably why she freaked out!” Every now and then I’ve reflected...