Dear Stephanie

Dear Stephanie,

I remember first meeting you mere months ago in November when Matthew Restall was speaking. I remember the first thing you said to me after introductions was that you were going to try and make it to my panel paper presentation. I thought to myself, "Wow, why would she do that?" I know why though- you are such a sweet and generous person. Just hearing about me from Bob I'm sure was what made you want to view my presentation, but it made me smile a bit that Bob would even share about me at all. Then you were very welcoming at that Mesoamerican dinner you held and over the days of the conference. It was a tremendous help to me and probably more than you know, though I think I tried to tell you. I just knew from being around scholars just like you that this was an area of profession that I would be happy moving forward in. I was not jaded or oblivious to the trials and hard work it would require, but I thought if I could do it as passionately as you do then I would be happy. I was always testing the waters for my future as a scholar, and it had so much more to do with the people than the books and journals of endless information. Though I get a lot of enjoyment from reading and learning, it has been most rewarding when I am sharing them with you.

Then at the conference dinner, sitting at the president's table, I told Bob I recognized your name from the Wired Humanities Project website that I had actually visited a lot. I thought of applying for a position there. He told you, you did a fist pump and said "Yes!" From then on I was so excited about the opportunity to stick around you, learn from you, and gain some great experience.

I want to apologize for not giving more time in the end of the year. I hope, if possible to give WHP more time as the summer goes on. I really saw the internship opportunity you offered me as a safe haven away from the stress of getting good grades, of doing papers, and reading endlessly. Though that is all fun, it is stressful. I could just learn about Mesoamerican history on my own terms. I was reluctant because I didn't know if I would like Mesoamerican history, but the VMA gave me an opportunity to find the niches that made learning fun for me. I loved just coming in and getting some experience (whether you thought it was tedious or not, I liked it). I know the value of tedious work too. I still learned and never minded.

I love to hear your project plans for the young women and Oaxacan history. The folklore aspect made me realize I could still apply folklore to a history career. The lines between disciplines can blur in a complementary way, and though I'm all over the board in some ways, I see them all as crucial pieces. I see you doing the same thing and I follow your lead.

Your input on my thesis was beyond generous. I found all the little comments and revisions to be a really big help. Your comments were always opening my mind to other possibilities. Especially knowing how busy you were and how hectic life gets, it was a true gift to have your voice in my thesis project. I felt like you were the missing piece, since I had been studying women and you being a California native, I felt like you "got it" and it clicked. Sometimes it wasn't easy explaining all the jumbled mess that went on in my head, but I felt like you were instrumental in helping me articulate those hard-to-articulate ideas. Your insights and questions made me really think. I want you to know that the comments you gave that I wasn't able to incorporate I still researched on and found out all new information on. The added layers of meaning and comments only helped prepare me for my future. I feel confident getting ready for a graduate program. Though I'm nervous about getting in, I know when the time is right and I do attend a program I will be ready because of people like you who invested time, attention, and kindness in my education both as a historian-in-training and a person.

Thank you for your help with Katy too. She loved every second of WHP and talks about it all the time. I really think you honestly showed her a future career with maps and culture that she will pursue. She didn't know what she wanted to do or what she could be passionate about until she met you and worked at WHP.

You are so passionate about your students and about everyone you meet. I have never met such a generous person. You really give so much of yourself. You are also one of the busiest people I know too. You lifestyle is always putting in 110% of yourself, and I just want you to know, that although others at the university may not see it, I see it and I appreciate it. I am so glad I did another year of school and had the chance to get to know you.

T