Season One of The Identity Library has officially come to a close, and what a chapter it has been. From graduating at NC State to being accepted into grad school, this season was full of change, challenge, and moments I never expected to carry so deeply. As I head home to Germany for the summer, I’m taking a well-deserved pause, eating way too much feta cheese, sipping sparkling soda in the sun, and feeling genuinely happy for the first time in a while.

But don’t worry, the stories won’t stop here. Season Two will begin in August, filled with new voices, new questions, and the same curiosity that has carried this podcast since Chapter One. If you have a story about identity, cultural heritage, or simply becoming who you are, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you. Also, enjoy my little commencement speech bonus and podcast recap in this episode.

Thank you for listening, for holding space with me, and for reminding me that the most powerful stories often begin in the quietest places. See you in Season Two.

Surprise, we’re still in Season 1, but this one feels different. Call it a summer edition, a bonus chapter, or just a moment that needed to exist before we officially wrap things up.

In this episode, I sit down with my brilliant and quietly powerful friend Cece Harrison, a Nuclear Engineering major at NC State, to talk about what it really means to be a woman in engineering. Not the glossy poster version. The real one, filled with doubt, pressure, purpose, and the occasional moment of joy when you realize you're building something that once felt off-limits.

Cece opens up about almost not choosing engineering at all, the impact of a female mentor, and why representation and outreach matter more than we think. We talk about surviving toxic environments, the myth of the “girlboss,” and the quiet courage it takes to show up exactly as you are in spaces that weren’t designed for you.

This isn’t just about Nuclear Engineering. It’s about rewriting what power looks like, supporting each other when the system pushes us to compete, and realizing that you don’t need to be extraordinary to belong. You just need to be there, and to stay.

Wherever summer finds you, I hope this episode keeps you good company. I’ll be heading home to Germany for a bit, hopefully catching some cooler air, definitely losing my English fluency, returning with a slightly thicker German accent and maybe a few pastry or cheese reviews.

More soon, with another chapter, after the summer break, and ideally from a room with working AC.

After weeks of writing, presenting, and overthinking every single page of my thesis, I’m finally back. This semester was a whirlwind, and somehow, I actually graduated. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Tommy Godwin, who also just crossed the stage, to reflect on everything we’ve learned, unlearned, and are still figuring out.

Tommy, a double major in Agroecology and International Studies with a minor in Soil Science, shares what it’s like to feel out of place in your own field. I talk about the moments that tested my confidence, the silent awkwardness of dancing across the graduation stage, and the messy beauty of letting go and moving forward.

If you're standing at a crossroads, between dreams and doubts, identity and direction, this one’s for you. We talk about the non-linear paths we’ve taken, the impact of community, and how growth often comes from the messiest soil.

To everyone out there, happy summer. Please hydrate, don’t burn in the sun, and whenever you're stuck in traffic, on your way to work, or just avoiding your to-do list, feel free to tune in. This space is always here for you.

And no, this is not a goodbye, just a soft pause. The Identity Library will be back for Season 2. Until then, take care of your roots, and I’ll see you soon.

Ever wondered what it’s like to live as a "John Smith"? Well, Abdullah Najjar can tell you—because he did just that! In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) world of names. Abdullah shares his experience adopting the most common name in the Western world while in Libya, all in an effort to sound less... well, too "exotic". Spoiler alert: It didn’t go exactly as planned.

From the Roman naming system to the complexities of “Gunther” and “Gustav,” we explore how names shape our identity and perceptions. We also tackle the emotional weight behind some names (yes, even “John Smith” has its baggage). Along the way, we learn how names tie us to history, culture, and sometimes—whether we like it or not—awkward dinner conversations.

So, whether you’re curious about the origin of your name or just need a good laugh at the expense of "John Smith," tune in! It’s the perfect episode to listen to while traveling, relaxing, or contemplating whether you should change your name to something more... memorable.

Picture this: You’re sitting around a warm kitchen table in China, where the rich aroma of fresh dumplings fills the air, and your grandmother's hands, weathered with years of tradition, expertly fold the dough. The room buzzes with soft laughter, and each dumpling she creates is a piece of history, wrapped in dough and steeped in memory.

In this episode, I sit down with Mingduo, a recent NC State graduate originally from China and shaped by his experiences in Hong Kong. Mingduo shares how his cultural background, combined with his love for creative writing, has influenced his storytelling. His short story "Dumplings", published in NC State’s literary magazine, beautifully captures the intersection of family, identity, and cultural heritage.

We also discuss Mingduo’s journey as an international student, navigating the balance between pursuing a career in literature and the practicality of life ahead, as well as his admiration for role models like Andy Lau. Mingduo’s path toward library science shows how creative passion can evolve into a grounded, meaningful career.

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning whether you should pursue a career in creative writing, or if you’ve been torn between following your passion or taking a more traditional path, this episode is for you. Mingduo's journey reminds us that passion and practicality can coexist, and the pursuit of creativity is never a waste. Whether you're traveling, taking a quiet moment, or simply looking for inspiration, I hope this episode encourages you to chase what sets your soul on fire, no matter where that journey takes you.

In this episode, I sit down with Gavin Bell, assistant director at NC State’s Multicultural Student Affairs Center and a member of the Lumbee Tribe, to explore Native American identity, cultural resilience, and holistic well-being. Gavin shares the rich history and unique traditions of the Lumbee people, highlighting the diversity among Native American tribes and the importance of cultural preservation.

A central theme of our conversation is the medicine wheel, an Indigenous framework for achieving balance across physical, emotional, spiritual, and communal aspects of life. Gavin explains how this approach can help us cultivate self-love, personal growth, and a deeper connection to ourselves and our communities. We also discuss the power of gentle accountability and the importance of filling our own cup before giving to others.

As we head into spring break, I hope this episode offers you something meaningful to reflect on. Whether you're traveling by plane, car, or bus, or just taking a quiet moment for yourself, I invite you to listen in. Wishing you all a wonderful and restful break!

Ever wondered what happens when graphic design meets fashion? In this episode, I sit down with Alyx Hucks, a designer who’s blending the digital world with the tactile magic of wearable art. We dive into her journey from creating eye-catching graphics to transforming thrifted pieces into wearable masterpieces that speak to personal growth and loss.

But it’s not just about fabric and design—it’s about the power of creativity as therapy, the unexpected lessons learned through experimenting with new skills, and how our designs can become powerful forms of self-expression. Alyx and I explore the evolving nature of art, the challenges of balancing traditional techniques with digital tools, and the emotional connections that art can help us navigate.

Think art therapy, fashion meets function, and a dash of experimentation—and you've got an episode full of inspiration and raw conversation about design, personal growth, and the magic of creating from the heart.

Ready to step into the world where creativity knows no boundaries? Tune in and get inspired to start your own artistic journey.

It’s hard to believe we’re already stepping into 2025! In this episode, I sit down with Abdullah Najjar to reflect on our past year—2024—and all the things that made it unforgettable. From the ups to the downs, we talk about the moments that shaped us, both personally and professionally.

We dive into what we’ve learned, the surprises life threw our way, and how gratitude and reflection became such a big part of our lives. And of course, we share a few laughs along the way—including a karaoke moment that neither of us will forget anytime soon!

Looking back on 2024, I feel so thankful for the growth, lessons, and surprises it brought. As we step into 2025, I’m wishing for more growth, more love, and even more moments that challenge and inspire us. May this year be filled with more laughter, deeper connections, and more opportunities to embrace the unexpected.