A few years ago, a close friend who is now deceased, asked me one night, repeatedly, why aren’t you famous?
The truth is, I never wanted to be famous because fame comes with a price that I have never been willing to pay.
To be famous, I would have to be willing to open up my life a lot more than it already is. Famous people have to put up with a lot of b.s., and if they wish to remain famous, they have to people-please: much more than necessary if you ask me.
The thing that has mattered most to me in a little more than five and a half decades in this life is respect. To gain respect, all I have to do is get better and better at being me, with no apology.
So, the primary reason that I am not famous is that personal integrity is more valuable to me than keeping others happy, which is an illusion anyhow: and totally beyond my control.
Indeed, I am grateful to have come to such an important understanding.
Thank you for asking, my friend.
~annalise fonza, Ph.D., MURP, M.Div., MPA
© 07/08/2025
annalisefonza 
You may not be famous, but recently I received the advice, “Make sure to surround yourself with people wiser than you,” and I thought of you immediately.
How are you? I’m sorry it’s been so long. I’m not at Georgia Tech anymore (I got my Ph.D. in 2018). I’ve been doing some writing, mostly taking care of my family. Trying to figure out now how to use my powers for good, as it were.
I would love to hear from you — sending you all good wishes in the meantime.
Jessica! How are you? It is good to hear from you. I live in Kansas City Missouri and doing lots of things including teaching at Cal State Polytechnic University Pomona. Just ended 5 years with the federal government (almost two years at HUD), which is such a HOT MESS. Living in Kansas City Missouri. Hopefully we can catch up soon via phone.
Please feel free to text me at 816-237-8793 with your contact details.